Basohli Utsav, organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Divisional Administration, Jammu and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday at Basohli, Kathua.
The Inaugural session was also attended by Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, DDC Chairman, Kathua and Thakur Darshan Singh, MLA, Basohli.
“I Consider the Basohli Utsav as the Mahakumbh of Art, Culture and Tradition. Basohli Utsav reminds all sections of society that they are inheritors of the great heritage of India and they need to contribute to the cultural renaissance and in the journey towards a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He highlighted that “as we intensify the process for Viksit Bharat, there is a need to focus on promoting our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and ensure their transmission to the young generation.”
“India's growing economic power and India's culture, art, and traditions are gaining global recognition. Our philosophical, spiritual and artistic capability is drawing admiration worldwide. This growing global interest is strengthening India's soft power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha said the Basohli Utsav is an opportunity to promote Brand Basohli to every corner of the country and abroad, and to provide a global platform for the handicrafts and world-renowned paintings of Basohli.
“Basohli is a complete exuberance of art and culture and there is sensitivity embedded in Basohli's traditions. Basohli is not just a geographical point on the map. It is not just a part of history books but Basohli is the energy field of the seekers associated with art, literature and tradition who have dedicated every particle of their body and every moment of their life to attain the expertise in different art forms,” he said.
He said, a ‘Whole of Government’ approach is required to promote Basohli painting across the country and abroad, and to ensure the prosperity of artist. He also urged the youth to participate in the symposium and workshop on Ramayana during the Basohli Utsav.
It was informed that the Basohli Utsav will be an annual festival and a part of the annual calendar of events for the Department of Culture.
The Lieutenant Governor released five publications—'Lok Mein Ram’, ‘Ramayan Ki Stree Gatha’, ‘Ram Ka Ghar’, ‘Ram Ki Sanjeevani’ and ‘Tribes of Ramayana’. The publications, touching upon diverse dimensions of the epic from women’s perspectives to tribal traditions and the cultural ethos of Lord Ram, enriched the Utsav and complementing its artistic and spiritual spirit.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shakti Kumar Pathak, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; Ms Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; Ms Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL senior officers and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.