Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 29: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Regional Office, Jammu& Kashmir, showcased a special programme of local flavour “Dogri, Punjabi and Kashmiri folk Songs & Dances” by eminent group artists from Bhartiya Kala Kendra under “Horizon Series”, here today.
A galaxy of music lovers and other audience witnessed the exceptional performance with great enthusiasm. Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor, JMC Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasions. He underlined the importance of holding such cultural programme in the society. He also highlighted the efforts being made by JMC in this regard.
Regional Director ICCR & Regional Passport Officer N K Shil, who was special guest on the occasion, threw light on activities of CCR, which successfully conducts its cultural programme every month under “Horizon Series”. So far 91 such programmes have been conducted with an objective to foster brotherhood, promote communal amity, harmonious relationship and encourage peaceful co-existence of all communities.
Stressing that we should do everything possible to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of J&K, he appealed all to encourage younger generation to imbibe the tradition and culture of their own and other organization to come forward to this noble cause while respecting others culture and sentiments. Further, he added that the greater idea is to make sustained efforts to bring the entire country together through cultural initiatives and simultaneously promote local culture, give exposure to local talents in the field of art, music, dance and drama.
The performances began with Punjabi song “Battian Bujai rakdi mein sari sari raat ve” by Suman Lata which captivated everybody in the audience with the powerful singing and dancing. The singing bonanza touched the pinnacle when she sang “Mein tere kanne dil kina laya o fouji mundya”.
Those who accompanied the singer were also the masters in their respective instruments. They included Sunil (Pad), Ganesh (Dholak) and Parveen (Casio).
Prominent persons who were present on the occasion, included T R Sharma, Ex Add Sec JKACL; V K Sharma, Ex DC and Ramesh Chib, Dir Bhartiya Kala Sangam. The programme ended with vote of thanks by Regional Director, ICCR Regional office Jammu.