Sir,
Reference ‘Art treasure of Jammu being taken away to Kashmir’ DE April 18, 2016. This news was very shocking, rather disturbing for all those who have some concern with Kala Kendra, Jammu. Daily Excelsior deserves all praises, the way they have put this important issue in its proper perspective, thus inviting immediate attention of the people and the State Government as well.
We are also thankful to Priya Sethi, Minister of Education and Culture etc who taking cognizance of a serious matter, has immediately stopped any action on a recently issued formal order regarding the shifting of this art treasure to Kashmir, till the final solution is reached. Sharp reaction from NPP and others on such a sensitive issue is also commendable and we hope that all political parties and other social and cultural organisations must come forward to thwart such a sinister move.
At the same time, one wonders to realise whether Kala Kendra, Jammu is going all well, quite in accordance to its conception or the MOU adopted at the time of its construction and who is actually responsible for its maintenance and other day to day activities. Having an all along touch with this Kala Kendra, to me,it has become every body’s concern but no body is strictly responsible for it. Many a time this issue has been raised/discussed with the immediate authorities but always remained unsolved and without proper guideline for those who manage its affairs. For example, there is an Administrator whose responsibility is to look after the maintenance of this Kendra as also to carry on art and culture related activities. But when there was no such activity for a long time and such a huge palatial structure invited criticism from all sides, State Archives and the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages were directed to showcase their collections etc to provide a living touch to this otherwise dead silent but good looking building. And where the State Archives have displayed their artefacts in the upper portion of this building, State Academy occupied the lower portion alongwith the space occupied by the Administrator and his staff. It is the State Academy, who in addition to permanent display of paintings and sculptures is organising other art activities including Artist Camps, Art Workshops and even Art Exhibitions (Solo as well as group shows) Symposiums etc. whereas from Administrators side, instead of Art related activities, we occasionally see funfares, melas and sales etc arranged in front of Kala Kendra i.e business. And probably to extend the same business inside the building, they want State Academy and the then State Archives to vacate this premises one by one.
Finally, if at all the Administrator is in dire need of space to carry out art related activities, he should have started from the vacation of a hall which was being utilised by the Academy for such activities, is presently occupied by District Library Jammu quitely with the mutual understanding of the present Administrator. How they occupied this space in Kala Kendra is a matter of great concern and Priya Sethi, the State Minister, must take it seriously.
Without any comments on the letter from Wg Comdr MC Sudan, it is just for his information that whatsoever is in collection with J&K State Cultural Academy, whether in Jammu or at Srinagar, comprises the art works by the artists not only from the three regions of J&K State but the creation of prominant artists from outside the state, as well.
Yours etc…..
Narsingh Dev Jamwal
Bhalwal, Jammu
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