Lalit Gupta
There is a visible upswing in Jammu Kashmir’s cultural scenario. Concerted efforts to safeguard the region’s traditional arts while empowering local communities are afoot. In last one year, UT’s Department of Culture with Suresh Kumar Gupta as its Principal Secretary, has put into action a slew of schemes for the preservation and promotion of artistic practices synonym with the cultural identity of diverse ethnic groups and communities that inform the demographic mosaic of Jammu and Kashmir.
In Memoriam:
Before we move on to an overview of the annual cultural scenario, let us pay homage to the notable personalities who passed away after dedicating their entire lives to creative pursuits. These include Arvind Gigoo, the well known English writer and teacher, Balraj Bakshi , Urdu writer and critic from Udhampur, famous Dogri Writers Chaman Arora and Tara Danpuri and theatre artistes R S Bali, Susham Sharma and Suresh Kumar .
Awards and Honours
For reviving Dogri folk dance and songs “Geetru” and “Bhakh, folk artist Romalo Ram was conferred with the Padmashri award-2024 . Ved Rahi, stalwart Dogri writer/poet was conferred The Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honour conferred by the country’s topmost literary body on a living writer. Dr Sohan Lal Kaul was bestowed with National Sahitya Akademi Award for his novel ‘Psychiatric Ward’in Kashmiri. Dr. Sushma Rani was honoured with Sahitya Akademi Translation Award for translation of Baldev Singh’s Punjabi Novel Dhaawaan Dilli De Kingrey in Dogri. Bishan Singh “Dardi” was given Sahitya Akademi Bal Sahitya Puruskar for his Dogri Children book ‘Kukdu Kadoon’ Heena Choudhary got Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puruskar for her Dogri poetry book “Ik Rang Tere Range Chaa”. Ifra Kak was awarded Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar for Theatre Direction.
J&K Govt Awards on Republic Day 2024
Gandhian S.P Varma was bestowed with Life Time Achievement Award while Inderjit Kesar and Mohan
Singh- Dogri, Mansha Khaki – Gojari, Brij Nath Betab Kashmiri , Gulzar Ganai-Film/TV 
Actor, Kartar Chand-Pahari Singer, Pawan Verma and Dr Kuldeep Raina -Theatre, Munir Ahmed Mir-Vocalist and Music Composer, Neelam Rani-Basohli Pashmina Weaver, and Sonam Jamwal-Basohli paintings. Best Dogri News Reader: Jagmohan Sharma, on the eve of 54thFoundation Day of Akashvani.//
Films and Cinema
Despite the launch of Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2024, and holding of film festivals at and Srinagar, the local film industry referred to ‘Jollywood’ is beset with hurdles as well-made regional language films could not recover their production costs. Nonetheless a few diehard enthusiasts continue to make short and feature films, which are mainly screened at film festivals. Rahat Kazami and Tariq Khan’s featrure film ‘Kaya Palat’ premiered recently in Jammu received lukewarm response. Sandeep Verma’s short film ‘I am Valmiki’ got 2nd prize (of Rs. 1.5 lakh) in a short film competition in organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations. Another locally produced film Gangwar is slated to be screened soon.
Cultural Institutions
Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and languages (JKAACL): The premier 
institution which since seven decades was successfully undertaking the functions of three academies: Sahitya Akademi, Lalit Kala Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi, suffered a kind of hiatus of almost four years with the misstep of changing its constitutional status to that of a Society. But thankfully, most of the old schemes have been reinstated, and it is hoped that the new Secretary Ms Harvinder Kaur will resurrect JKAACL to its glorious track of promoting and developing folk and contemporary arts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kala Kendra
For several years, the Kala Kendra had been underutilized, relegated to storing EVMs and election materials. However, thanks to the decisive intervention of Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary of the Department of Culture and his decision to appoint Javaid Rahi, one of the senior-most officers of the JKAACL as the Secretary of Kala Kendra, the center has undergone a complete transformation. In a short span the Kendra has hosted a total of 35 programs including national level exhibitions that attracted artists, art enthusiasts and connoisseurs and it has also started generating impressive revenue.
IGNCA, Jammu Regional Centre: IGNCA
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) in Jammu, formally inaugurated on December 23, 2024, has already made a significant impact even before its official launch. Under the dynamic leadership of its young director, Shruti Avasthi, the center has quickly transformed into a vibrant cultural institution that plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dogra Art Museum
J&K Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and Dogra Art Museum for creating awareness about the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, organized number of regular events such as special exhibitions on Dogra Art Museum artefacts, numismatics, historical archival records, workshop on conservation of heritage sites. The Dept. took up restoration/renovation works of 17 Monuments/Heritage sites.
Classical Music & Dance
Bharatiya Sangeet Sansthan, founded by renowned vocalist Guru V.K. Sambyal ‘Rangeeley Thakur’ is working to preserve and promote Indian classical music, along with regional folk and light music. The Sansthan is offering the budding talents a platform to showcase their talents. Notable students such as Ridima Bajpai, Chinmei Sharma, Kusha Sharma, and others, are already performing in public, contributing to the cultural revival.
To further rejuvenate the cultural scene, the Panjvakhatar Mahadev Temple, under the leadership of Suresh Sharma, has introduced classical music and dance performances during key festivals like Sawan Mahotsavas and Maha Shivratri Mahotsav. These events have seen the participation of over 200 local artists, including well-known performers.
Kathak: Dr. Priya Dutta, founder of Nrityanjali: A Classical Dance Academy received a B-High grade from Delhi Doordarshan. The regular Kathak public performances by Academy’s students are ensuring that the classical dance form remains alive in the public imagination and create a space for drawing attention to the art form and fostering a deeper appreciation for its traditional roots.
Brij Mohan,well- known music director’s compositions continues to enrich the musical scene by rendering verses of poets and Geetkars. Honored with the Human Excellence Golden Award, his free verse music programs have garnered acclaim.
Languages and Literature: The post-Independence growth of the modern languages of Jammu and Kashmir can largely be attributed to the creative expressions of Saraswati putras and putris-writers, poets, and scholars who driven by an inner calling, have devoted themselves to the nurturing language, literature and culture. These literary figures have played a pivotal role in preservation, enrichment, and modernization the region’s languages, bridging the gap between past and present.Their works in native languages, have documented oral histories, folklore and customs that may have faded into obscurity.
Sanskrit: Shri Kailakh Jyotish Avim Vedic Sansthan Trust’s President, Jyotishacharya Mahant Rohit Shastri, was honored with the State Award for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of Sanskrit. His Vehicle Mobile Sanskrit Gurukul involves a mobile unit that is offering free Sanskrit education at doorstep to those interested in learning the language.
Dogri: The mother tongue and lingua franca of Dogras living on both sides of River Ravi and up to River Jhelum after a long struggle was declared a national language in 2003. Unfortunately, even with the new National Education Policy in full operation, the teaching of Dogri is yet to be implemented as a medium of instruction in formal education.
Dogri Satellite Channel: While all national languages enjoy dedicated satellite channels through Doordarshan, Dogri remains deprived of this crucial tool of mass communication in an era dominated by information technology. Despite a vocal public demand led by the Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association (DADAA) for the establishment of a Dogri satellite channel, the Union Government has not yet taken the necessary steps to address this demand.
Dogri Sanstha Jammu: The pioneer literary organization working for promotion of mother 
tongue Dogri since its formation in 1944, in addition to regular Kavi Goshthis & Kahani Goshthis also released number of books of Dogri writers during the calendar year 2024. Sanstha honoured Prof. Lalit Magotra with life time achievement award ‘Kunwar Viyogi Sahitya Kala Samman’ and young writers Satish Kumar and Pawan Verma with ‘Kunwar
Viyogi Sahitya Puraskar‘ in collaboration with Kunwar Viyogi Memorable Trust. Under its aegis, the Sanstha organized Prof. Ram Nath Shastri Memorial award function and Pawan Verma bagged the prize this year. Sanstha also started another award ‘Bandhu Sharma Memorial Award’ and Krishna Prem was conferred the award for her collection of Short stories entitled ”Kasturi’. Books of Dogri writers released by Sanstha are: Inderjit Kesar’s Putliyaan-Dogri, poetry book by Pawan Verma Jo Katteya So Maahlein, and Abdul Quddir Kundria’s Gottey ge Gottey, Jagdeep Dubey’s Dus Radio Natak & Rukkhi Kanak Ni Khayan, Prof. Lalit Magotra’s Ziddi Chete : a Collection of Memoirs and Travelogues. Santha organised a Workshop on Translation Skills to develop translation skills of the participating students Dogri Sanstha Samman-2024 were conferred upon Pt. Narayan Prasad (Art/Dance), Suman Sharma, (Literature), Darshan Darshi (Literature), Shiv Doblia (literature), Suman Gupta (Art/Painting), Anil Tickoo (Art/ Theatre), Madhavi Sharma (Media/Radio). Naeesb Singh Manhas, published Dogri Lokgathan – Saroop Te Vishleshan”, based on detailed Research, on Dogri Lok Gatha. He was awarded Panch Parmeshawar Sammaan Bhartya Sahitya Sangam Panchkula(HR) Chandigarh.
Sahitya Akademi, with Padamshree Mohan Singh as Convener of Dogri Advisory Board, organized number of symposia and seminars: on translation of like Translatiion as Form of literature with special reference to translation in Dogri and into Dogri from other languaes; contemporary issues and challenges of in Dogri Women Writing., figure of Speech usage of Sentiments and meter in Dogri Poetry; Trends in Dogri Free Verse Poetry; Media & Dogri Literarture. It held program ‘Through My Window’ by Dr Gian Singh on Mohan Lal Sapolia.
Post Graduate Dept. of Dogri, University of Jammu: The Department organized first Alumni Meet, installed Alumni Board, and established Kunwar Viyogi Digital Lab. Padam Dev Singh participated in Young Writers Meet on 8 July 2024 at Bhopal organised by Sahitya Akademi.
The literary contributions of individual Dogri writers this year include: Narinder Bhasin’s Suchi Sambhal, a collection of essays, Archana Kesar’s Dogri translation of Nanak Singh’s Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Punjabi novel Do Talvaraan Ik Myaan. Shailender Singh’s Dogri novel Kurban Bast, His Sahitya Akademi Awardee book Hashiye Par has been translated into Kashmiri language as ‘Hashiya’ by BN Betab and published by Sahitya Akademi Delhi. The book now stands translated into four languages English, Hindi, Punjabi & Kashmiri. Shambhu Nath Pyasa’s 5th book Nyane Bade Syane, T.R. Magotra’s collection of articles Jambunama. Nirmal Vinod emerged as the most prolific of the writers with seven books in Dogri: Kanniyan Sunne Diyan and Samey De Khande Par (free verse poems), Rang Rangila Bharat Desh (patriotic songs), Geet Hans Mein (lyrical poetry) Khra Faqiri Thath (spiritual lyrics based on our rich Indian culture), Sanj Sandhuri Dudhli Raat and Hasde N Jaltarang (ghazlas). Prakash Premi published four books: Geetayin Da Banjara (Sufi Geet), Antar Prakash (Dogri translation of Sanskrit lyrics), Man Gaasein Peengan (Poems) Bhrathri’s Shatak Treya in Dogri, Santosh Sangra’s collection of short stories Mainhiol. Yash Pal Nirmal authored and published a number of books for children many of which were translated into other languages. He was honoured with awards by many literary bodies and NGOs from outside the UT. Sudhir Mahajan translated plays in Dogri; Anne Da Haathi And Bhukkh Agg Ai.
Saraswati Dramatic Club Billu Mandir Panjtirthi Jammu, celebrated its 100th year by staging Ram Lila in Dogri in a bid to popularise Dogri so that people take pride in communicating in their mother tongue. Performed in modern theatre style, the Ram Lila attracted a huge crowd. (PIX)
Hindi: With Prof. Bharat Bhushan as president, the Hindi Bhasha Prachar Samiti released Hindi Dogri Kosh, Ateet ke Pnen of Renu Gupta, Padamshree Prof. Shiv Nirmohi’s Duggar ke Hindi Lekhak, CL Sharma’s Prakash path.
Hindi Sahitya Mandal released Hindi books of two Gazal collections: Chhed Gazal Aisi and Shayad Wah Gazal Ho and Vijay Saraf’s poetry Pani Ki Poshaken. Mandal bestowed the annual Hindi Sahitya Mandal Navkekhan Tej Puraskar 2023 upon poet Rakesh Abrol for his poetry collection Tumhare Liye. Another annual Award, The Ramesh Mehta Smriti Puraskar 2024 was given to folk art historian and researcher Shiv Dobaliya of Basohali.
The individual contribution of Hindi writers include MK Santoshi’s Kashmir-Ek Prem Katha- short stories and ‘Katha diary’- a collection selected poems, Rajinder Patwari’s compiled/ published a book in Devanagari, titled “Masroor ki Man ki Mauj” a poetry collection of his late father, Prem Nath Patwri ‘Masroor’. Agni Shekhar’s Kashmiri Folk Story book Kashmir Ki Lok Kathaayen. Khema Kaul, attended All India Seminar on Kashmir Shaivism organised by Allahabad University, Prayagraj. Shakti Singh’s third film, was released in South India, translated into Oriya, and on Airtel’s OTT platform. His second book of Hindi poetry was released. Anila Charak published Gajal sangrah Rishton Ke Bheege Akhbar. She was awarded by number of national and international literary bodies and NGos. Kamaljeet Choudhary’s 2nd edition of My Poems collection ‘Duniya ka Antim Ghoshnapatra’ was published. He translated poems of prominent Dogri poet Dhyan Singh. Krishan Kumar’s poem’s translation in Bangla was published. Rajeshwar Singh Raju’s collections of Hindi poetry Chalte-Chalte and Shabdon Ki Aukrityan were released.
Satish Vimal, published Urdu translation of selected poems of Jnanpith Awardee Kashmiri poet Prof Rehman Rahi (Intikhaab-e-Kalaam-e-Rahi) , Kashmiri Poetry Collection (Padaavetch Dairy). He was honoured with Hindi Gaurav Samman by Hindi Academy Mumbai.
Punajbi: Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, Jammu, honoured Jang S. Verman, Punjabi writer with 1st Gurmukh Singh Raina Memorial Fiction Book Award- 2023. Sabha released Punjabi Balwinder Singh’s poetry books for children ‘Mitraan Naal Baharaan’ and Bal Tarang’. Eminent Punjabi Writer and Sahitya Akademi Awardee Khalid Hussain’s selected Punjabi short stories were translated in Hindi by Dr. Gurpreet Kaur. Surinder Neer’s book Taboo was selected for the International Dhahan Literary Award for 10000 C.D, in Vancouver Canada. She was appointed as an executive member in Punjab Arts Council Chandigarh. Swami Anterneerav represented Punjabi in Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival. Javaid Rahi, who has made name as a contemporary Punjabi poet is participating on invitation in kavi darbars held in Punjab.
Shagufta Choudhary translated in Gojari, Dogri Children Book Chuttiyan by Yashpaul Nirmal.
English: Written by veteran journalist and writer O. P. Sharma the book ‘Doyans of Dogri Literature’ is surely a reader’s guide to 50 Sahitya Akademi winners in Dogri and their award winning works. It is a must read for those interested in the modern Dogri literature. Col (retd) Ajay Raina, the prolific creative writer and military historian has published: Beyond the Frozen Frontiers: General Zorawar’s life and his forays into Himalayan highlands, Kargil 1999 commemorating the 25th year of that conflict and Unknown Gunmen, Leap of the snow leopard: Eastern Ladakh 2020-2023. Ashok Kumar Sharma published ‘Silent Reveries’, an anthology of English poems, Suman Sharma, since April 2024, is writing for a Sunday column ‘Recalling Ram’ in Daily Excelsior which is a comparative reading of Balmiki’s Ramayan and Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas. Dr R L Bhat, released ‘Essential Kashmir History’, a study based on primary Sanskrit, sources and Persian chronicles. Vandana Sharma and Shuchi Sood translated in English Santosh Sangra’s Vichar Aushad under the title ‘Therapeutic Thoughts’.
Visual Arts: The creative visual artists of Jammu, who exhibited their works, participated in art camps and workshops outside the UT and the country and the awards won are: Rakesh Kumar was awarded First Prize by Indian Academy of Fine Arts, Amritsar. He participated in art national camps at Srinagar, Mumbai, and Jammu, Suman Gupta was honoured with the 10th Harmony India Award and by Dogri Sanstha Award in Visual Art. He exhibited his paintings in the CICA Museum, Korea, at Gallery Nvya, New Delhi, and Sama-Vaya Art Retreat at Patnitop. Amit Slathia, Delhi-based Jammu artist, mentored UID-NCR students for the Vanaras Sculpture Project, with 2nd Prize in “Vision of New Kashmir,” showcased works at The Leela, Mumbai, and led the installation Crafted Echoes at Red Fort with UID Art /Design students.
Sunanda Khajuria presently in Wuhan,
China, received a National Level Award from the Chinese Government, in Beijing. She participated in the Indian Art Fair, Delhi, Art Mumbai, Mumbai, and attended international exhibitions and conferences in China and Japan. Milan Sharma was invited to the International workshop in Vietnam. Her works were part of a group show in New Delhi. Rohit Verma’s painting found place on the cover of Hindi literary ‘Hans’. He participated in Painters Camp at AMML and IIT, Jammu. Sat Pal Doel, attended art camps at AMML, Jammu and the Jammu University. Young sculptor Jasleen Singh attended symposia in France and Denmark. His sculptures were displayed in China, Türkiye, and South Korea. Senior sculptor Bodh Raj Baldotra held solo shows at Jammu University and Lalit Kala New Delhi. Sukhjeet Singh participated in the Stone Carving workshop at Kala Kendra, Jammu. J&K ‘s senior most sculptor, Rajjinder Tikku had project participation in Gayatri Sinha curated show for Gallery Espace New Delhi, Sculpture show curation for Gallery Akar Prakar New Delhi. Jang S. Verman, senior artist, participated in an International Art Exhibition/workshops at Malaysia, Kullu, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and of JKCCA, Jammu. Ravinder Jamwal, has created a sterling body of environmental sculpture in his village Birpur as part of an academic project.
Cartoon: Manoj Chopra got Honorable Mention in the National level contest organised by Cartoon Watch ,Chattisgarh. Chander Shekhar, organized exhibition of caricatures showcasing the local Dogra community. They received Third prize and Second prize respectively in the National level Cartoon and Caricature contest organised by Unfold dreams.
Theatre:
Natrang: Natrang organized record breaking successful 150 shows in one year which included ‘Loktantra Ka Asli Mantra’ (35 shows), ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ (18 shows) ‘Naye Yug Ki Naari’ (10 shows) all written and directed by Balwant Thakur. Natrang held ‘Theatre for Youth’ in collaboration with IIM Jammu. Natrang’s Sunday Theatre series featured 51 shows so far during the year. Balwant Thakur received World Theatre Day Honour from Government of H.P., Theatre Promoter of North India Award from HIPA, Haryana.
Rangyug Performing Arts Foundation in its 40th year of foundation signed a first-of-its-kind MoU with GCW Parade Ground to introduce J&K’s first skill-based undergraduate course in Performing Arts (Theatre). Rangyug organized Summer Internship Programs for students to appreciate and participate in regional culture and innovative theatrical practices. A Chhau Workshop, the first of its kind in Jammu, was organized with GCW Parade and JKAACL. Rangyug produced the ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ during the J&K Assembly Elections and production of King Lear with Presentation Convent, Jammu.
Rajneesh Gupta, playwright/director contributed by directing and staging plays-Mitthi Dhoop, Comrade Dhjanvantri, short film-Pathseeker, feature films-Shah-Shahni. His English stage play ‘Sinner’ was published in ‘Theatre for children.
INTACH Jammu Chapter organized Heritage awareness Programmes such as Heritage Quiz, Rangoli workshops and competitions, Bowli cleanliness drives and Monument poster making, and heritage walks were conducted for schools. Cultural Resource Mapping, Heritage Volunteers Programme were organised in the University of Jammu, and colleges of Jammu division.
Heritage Warriors:
Sunny Dua, journalist and heritage conservator held exhibition titled Resilient Heritage wherein over 200 pictures of important and dying heritage sites, buildings, forts, bowlis, temples and tangible heritage were displayed at Kala Kendra, Jammu. The exhibition was admired the work which is an end result of 15 years of hardwork of Sunny Dua who travelled a lot to click these pictures.
Rahul Bhola, founder, Studio Agama and conservation architect from Jammu, received the WOW Architect Award 2024 for heritage restoration. Notable projects include ICHR exhibition “Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh: Through the Ages” and Endangered Wooden Architecture Program, documenting Kashmir’s wooden Khanqahs.
Kushagara Anand, the young conservator has earned kudos for his timely intervention which stopped the dismantling of the historical Tande Aala Khat Peer Kho, Jammu, which contains one of the earliest paintings of Jammu School of Miniatures.
Kirpal Singh, is continuing with series of Heritage walks inside Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex during 2024. His vehicle as mobile heritage conservation laboratory is now in London book of records being the first initiative.
Vishvasthali, a Basohli based NGO, under the aegis of its president Shakti Pathak, organised a mega cultural festival at Basohli. The festival supported by UT’s Dept. Of Culture, JKAACL, Divisional Administration Jammu, IGNCA, and District Administration showcased Cultural Programmes, Book Exhibition, Handicraft & Handlooms, Academic and Technical Sessions and Exhibition on Revival of Kumhari (Pottery) Parampara.
Tree Talk: O.P. Sharma Vidyarathi, the founder of Tree Talk, which celebrated its 14th year with 1582nd Tree Talk on 19 December, 2024, earned accolades by the prominent members of the civil society for his selfless dedication and commitment towards creating awareness amongst the younger generation about the urgent need to protect our environment. He has rightly earned the monikers of a ‘Forest Encyclopaedia Man’ and ‘Van Mitra’.
Guldev Raj: The vanguard wildlife photographer and environmentalist, Guldev Raj’s labour of love of last ten years and 150 trips along the course of Tawi River will the presented to the civil society in form a Calendar on Tawi River Birds.
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