Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, today pitched for developing Kala Kendra, Jammu, as a vibrant centre for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir by putting in place the requisite infrastructure and logistics.

Chairing a review meeting on functioning of Kala Kendra here today, the Principal Secretary stressed that all possible sources are being tapped so that the functioning of this Kendra progressively catches up with its aims and objectives.

Principal Secretary, while deliberating on initiatives need to be launched for developing Kala Kendra as center of excellence,  asked the concerned officers for proper landscaping, repairing and renovation of different sections of the building.

The Principal Secretary was given a detailed briefing on the activities and programs being conducted by Kala Kendra for the promotion and preservation of art and culture in the region.

While inspecting different sections of the institution, the Principal Secretary praised the staff and artists for their hard work and dedication in promoting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. He emphasized on the importance of preserving the traditional art forms for larger interest of the posterity.

Interacting with the officers, Suresh Kumar Gupta highlighted that Kala Kendra is a prestigious institution entrusted with the task of promoting the rich and diverse culture of Jammu region. He impressed upon the management of Kala Kendra for optimal utilization of this prestigious institution by holding handicrafts, handloom and photo exhibitions on regular basis.

Secretary , Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Bharat Singh, Director Libraries and Research J&K, Mohammad Rafi, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums , Raj Kumar Katoch, Additional Secretary JKAACL Sanjeev Rana, staff of Kala  Kendra were also present in the meeting.

Speaking on other aspects of the institution, the Principal Secretary asked the Secretary JKAACL, Director Libraries and Director archives to further intensify activities being conducted in the Academy.

Earlier, Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary Kala Kendra Society, briefed the Principal Secretary about the functioning of the institution  and highlighted  its role in preserving and promoting age old art and pristine cultural heritage of Jammu region.