Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 5: Letho – a 5-day painting and photo exhibition by Sumiarah Mumtaz Choudhary and Adnan Kohli presenting glimpses of life and culture of nomads ‘Gujjars’ of Jammu and Kashmir was inaugurated by N N Vohra, former Governor of J&K, at Open Palm Gallery, Indian Habitat Centre (IHC), New Delhi.
Supported by Tribal Department, J&K Government and Salam Foundation, the programme was attended by a number of dignitaries, artists, members of Gujjar community. President, India International Centre, New Delhi, was also graced the occasion.
N N Vohra, in his inaugural remarks, stated that Gujjars constitute an important segment of our plural society. He said that the life and culture of Gujjars especially nomads who live in J&K, requires immediate preservation, documentation besides dissemination at nation and international level. He appreciated the artists Sumiarah Mumtaz Choudhary and Adnan Kohli who hails from Poonch district of J&K for their wonderful work displayed in the exhibition.
Sumairha Mumtaz Choudhary, while speaking on the occasion, said that this exhibition and its all elements are very close to her heart- as it depicts art and culture of her own tribe. “I firmly believe that this venture will propagate the indigenous culture of tribals of J&K through art.
Adnan Kohli stated that the colours of life of nomads are very live and vibrant. “I tried to capture the core elements of Gujjar culture and heritage,” he said and added “I travelled upper reaches of Pirpanchal with nomad Gujjars for months together to capture their style”.
Sumairha’s collection (of paintings) represents the indigenous traditions, natural beauty, moods, ethos of Gujjars-Bakarwal nomads, observed a visitor. Her work highlights an in-depth cultural expression of tribal primitiveness, another visitor recorded and added that most of her drawing are painted by using water colours which augments to imitate innerness of nomadic dispositions and moods.
Those who spoke in the inaugural ceremony include eminent dignitaries PSN Rao, Mahaver, Mumtaz Choudhary, SE PDD J&K -father of Sumairha Mumtaz and others.
Total 90 painting works and photographs are on display. The gallery will remain open till 10th of January from 11 AM (daily) onwards.
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