3-Day Tawi Sahitya Lok Utsav begins at Abhinav Theatre Complex, Jammu

Jammu, March 29, 2024 – The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) proudly announces the commencement of the Tawi Sahitya Lok Utsav, a celebration of regional literature and culture, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Jammu. The festival was inaugurated today by Shri Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, in the presence of Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu,Ms. Deepika Kumari, Secretary, Department of Culture, Mrs. Trishla Kundal, Special Secretary, Department of Culture,  Shri Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary, JKAACL and Ms. Shruti Awasthi, Director, IGNCA, Jammu.

Shri Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture said that the main aim of the festival is to celebrate Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural diversity and literary heritage through interactive sessions, cultural performances, and creative competitions. In his address Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu emphasized the significance of promoting the region’s cultural legacy, fostering an atmosphere of cultural harmony and artistic expression.

The inaugural day was marked by thought-provoking author interactions, captivating Mushairas, Short story sessions, insightful book launches, and an array of creative competitions and exhibitions. The Authors Interaction sessions, held at the Main Stall of JKAACL, provided a platform for literary dialogue and cultural exchange, featuring prominent writers from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Renowned Dogri writer Padma Shri Mohan Singh graced the event, sharing his insights and literary contributions, moderated by Sh. Ravinder Koul. Similarly, Sh. Khalid Hussain, a distinguished Punjabi writer, and Dr. Adarsh Prakash, a noted Hindi writer, engaged the audience with their experiences and literary prowess, moderated by Smt. Surinder Kour Neer and Prof. S.K. Mishra, respectively. Prof. Shad Ramzan, a prominent Kashmiri writer, shared reflections on Kashmiri culture and heritage, moderated by Bindiya Tickoo.

The event also featured various programs such as Hindi, Gojri, and Dogri Mushairas, celebrating the poetic heritage of these languages. Hindi, Dogri, Punjabi and Kashmiri Short Story session. The release of “Hindi Aalochan Kosh” marked a significant literary event, reflecting scholarly pursuits in Hindi language and literature. Additionally, the Young Author Meet under the PM Young Authors Scheme aimed to encourage young literary talents.

The Authors Interaction sessions exemplified the spirit of literary exchange and cultural celebration, showcasing the rich tapestry of languages and literature in the region. Furthermore, various competitions and exhibitions including poetry recitation, photography exhibition, painting competition, and rangoli provided emerging talents with a platform to showcase their creativity. The main attraction at the event was undoubtedly the artisans from Paddar demonstrating the intricate art of spindle spinning using goat wool, along with presenting a variety of other captivating artifacts.

The Tawi Sahitya Lok Utsav promises to be a remarkable event celebrating Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural richness and literary legacy. The inaugural day set a high standard with its thought-provoking discussions, captivating performances, and engaging competitions, foreshadowing a memorable and culturally enriching experience for all participants.