Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 20: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Regional Office, Jammu & Kashmir organised a special cultural event in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Jammu. The event began with a warm facilitation by Rajesh Kumar, Regional Director, ICCR, J&K by presenting flower bouquet to the chief guest Dr B.N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu along-with guest of honours, Vivekanand Rai, Director, Department of Tourism & Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary, JKAACL.
Afterward, welcome speech was presented by Rajesh Kumar who said that ICCR, a cultural wing of MEA mainly aims to develop and strengthen inter-cultural bond, enhance mutual understanding and promote harmonious relationships between India and other countries by bringing nations closer through cultural and educational initiatives/exchanges. At the same time, ICCR is making efforts to promote local art and culture, and providing opportunities to the artists in the field of art, music, dance and drama.
In today’s programme, four different kinds of performances were presented by the group eight artists from Sri Lanka, University of Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo under the guidance of Dr. Mishra Hemalata Anjali, Senior Lecturer at Baba Jitto Auditorium at SKUAST, Jammu and showcase the Srilanka’s traditional, folk dance.
These dances play a significant role in festivals, rituals and ceremonies’, preserving the island nation’s cultural identity and it was observed that performances made audience captivated throughout the programme. Apart from Srilankan artists, some performances were made by local artists led by JR Sharma Jackson & Poonam who performed dance cum acting, which reflected the dogra culture of J&K.
It was great learning experience for both Srilankan as well as for local artists and both was complimenting each other throughout the event. The entire was witnessed by number of music/dance lovers, students/scholars/staff members of the university with a great zeal and enthusiasm.
The chief guest praised the entire event and congratulated Regional Director for hosting such a programme for experiencing the culture of our neighbouring country Srilanka. He and Regional Director, ICCR facilitated each and every artist by presenting memento & traditional J&K shawls. Another striking feature of the programme was the versatile anchoring done by presenter Rajni. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Reena Salathia, Cultural Officer, ICCR, RO, Jammu.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
