KATHUA: In an initiative to showcase the local culture and heritage to Amarnath Yatris entering Jammu Kashmir through road, the Sub-Office Kathua of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, in collaboration with District Information Centre Kathua, organised a ‘Bhajan Sandhya’ at Lakhanpur Felicitation Centre.
The cultural performances were witnessed by a large number of pilgrims who thronged the venue to enjoy the soulful presentations by the local artists. The programme was organised under the guidance of Secretary, J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Bharat Singh.
The programme started with the mesmerising singing of Rakesh Kumar and party of Kathua, who enthralled everyone with their awestruck performance through Dogri and Punjabi Bhajans. This was followed by the Dogri and Hindi Bhajans by Neelam Gandotra and the party from Basohli. The exceptional musical presentation of Naleem added to the spiritual ambiance.
The evening culminated with the Nukkad Natak ‘Maine Jeena Hai’ based on a theme of drugs and presented by New Sargam Cultural and Social Group, Vijaypur. The play showcased how the drug-menace is ruining the generations and thus crippling the developing nations and pushing generations to death, devastation and destruction.
The play also unfolded a series of incidents where people are influenced by drugs, alcohol and other intoxications which create hell for themselves as well as for their loved-ones. Many precious lives are being charred in this fire of drug menace which is to be fought untidily. The play has tried to make a strong appeal to save mankind from this biggest drug menace.
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, SOCA, JKAACL Sub-Office Kathua Sanjeev Gupta said that the event was organised in continuation of the Academy’s endeavours towards preservation and promotion of the Art and Culture of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. “The motive was to provide Amarnath Yatris a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Jammu Kashmir,” he added.