Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21: N.N. Vohra, Governor, attended, at SKICC, a function organized by “AWAAZ”- an organization dedicated to the cause of encouraging artists in the Valley. This function was organized to honour the legendary singer Raj Begum and other prominent artists of present times and yester years from the Valley.
Lauding the invaluable contributions of Padamshree awardee Raj Begum towards Kashmiri music, the Governor said that several generations have been fondly listening to the melodious songs sung by Raj Begum.
The Governor said that art and culture is the bedrock of a civilized society and public regard and recognition of artists and their talents is also the culture index of a society.
The Governor appreciated the initiative of the organizers of “AWAAZ”, and particularly Irshad Lone’s missionary zeal to organize programmes for encouraging and recognizing talented artists in the Valley. He said that Kashmir is known all over the world for its arts, crafts and legendary artists and today’s programme to honour artists is a valuable step in encouraging artists.
The Governor on the occasion released a Souvenir of the AWAAZ dedicated to Raj Begum and also unveiled logo of “AWAAZ”.
G.A. Mir, Minister for Tourism, described Raj Begum as a legendary singer in the Valley and lauded the efforts of AWAAZ for encouraging local artists and hoped that it would be a continuous effort on the part of the organization in future also.
Waheed Jeelani, presented a musical tribute to Raj Begum in his soulful voice during the function. A short film on Raj Begum was also screened on the occasion.
The Governor on the occasion presented awards to 51 artists including Raj Begum; Prof Rehman Rahi; Santosh Koul; Ghulam Qadir Langoo; Mohd. Abdul Kakori; Zameer Asahi; and Haji Mohd. Shakeel.
Rakesh K. Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Shabir Mujahid, ADG, Doordarshan, Kashmir, Srinagar; Rukhsana Jabeen, Station Director, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar; Talat Parvez, Director, Tourism, Kashmir were among those present on the occasion.
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