Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 26: Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Regional Office, Jammu conducted Kashmiri folk music programme today under “Horizon Series” in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at KL Saigal Hall, Abhinav Theatre Complex Jammu, which was witnessed by a galaxy of art lovers and other audience.
Rajesh Kumar, Director Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Regional Passport Officer, Jammu and Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary, JKAACL were present besides other dignitaries.
ICCR’s empanelled artist Abdul Hamid Bhat, from Kashmir alongwith his team was invited for exclusive performance. While welcoming the guests and audience present in the hall, Rajesh Kumar, Director, ICCR & RPO gave a brief account of various activities so far done by the ICCR and conveyed the importance of cultural wing of MEA that plays crucial role to enhance India’s soft diplomatic power worldwide and boost India’s skills of cultural diplomacy as well as to bring the whole nation closer through cultural and educational initiatives/exchanges.
The main purpose of ICCR is to develop and strengthen inter-cultural bond, enhance mutual understanding and promote harmonious relationships between India and other countries through such cultural and educational initiatives. At the same time, ICCR is also making efforts to promote local art and culture, and providing opportunities to the artists in the field of art, music, dance, drama etc.,
Today’s programme was based on the Rabab or Rubab, one of the oldest musical instruments in Kashmir. It is believed that this traditional music was invented by Afghanistan and later made its way to India. It is commonly used to create all forms of music in Kashmir. The Kashmiri folk songs played today on the Rabab were “Bhambroo Bhambroo”, “Ae Mere Zohra Jabeen” and others. The artists who performed were Abdul Hamid Bhat & Ishfaq Hamid Bhat, Rabab Instrumentalists Joginder Pal on tabla, Vijay Anand, Dholki. The programme was arranged by Reena Slathia, Cultural Officer, ICCR Regional office Jammu & anchored by Rajni.
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