Kashmiri youngsters enthrall audience

It was an evening filled with nostalgia, pathos, sadness and tears. Yet, no element of hatred or bitterness could be felt at any moment during “Mauj Kasheer”, a variety cultural programme by young Kashmiri artists, presented by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages here this evening. In fact the programme marked the celebration of the composite cultural ethos of Kashmir and the centuries old tradition of co-existence and mutual love and respect.
In his opening remarks, Secretary of Academy Mr. Zafar Iqbal Manhas said that the programme was being presented by young artists belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community, all of whom were born in exile far away from their cultural moorings. Most of them have never visited Kashmir, he added. The programme was manifestation of the age old maxim “Jo sukh Fattu de Chobare, Na Balkh te na Bukhare” (East or West, Home is the Best) and signified the yearning of young generation of Kashmiri Pandit community to return to their land on ancestors. This programme is a humble effort on behalf of the Academy to keep the unique cultural ethos of Kashmir alive among the new generation. The need to keep their connection with Kashmiri language intact is also a thrust area that needs our immediate attention, he said. He added that he was quite assured of the ability of the community to surmount the economic and job related difficulties because of their intelligence, talent and hard work. The only thing that worried him was whether the connection of the young members of the community, born and brought up in exile, with their culture and language would remain intact or not. He expressed the resolve of the Academy to take this programme to different parts of Kashmir valley during the next few months so that these young Kashmiris could visit the land to which they belong.  
The programme, composed by well known music director Krishan Langoo, consisted of compositions based on the poetry of Lalla Dyed, Mehjoor, Dina Nath Nadim, Abdul Ahad Azad and Moti Lal Saqi. The young artistes on stage displayed their love for not only their own culture, language and traditions but also their understanding of the festivities of the majority community in Kashmir. The tragedy of migration and the sufferings of the community also found expression in various items presented during the programme. 
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Ganai highly appreciated the efforts of the Academy in promotion and preservation of art, culture and languages of the State. He said that such efforts will go a long way in keeping the cultural richness and diversity of the State alive.
Arjun Dev Majboor, who presided over the function extolled the significance of mother in our traditions as the land of ancestors is known as motherland in India. He said that most rivers in India also carry a feminine name because we treat these as mothers due to their importance to the existence of mankind. He added that these young artists remembering their motherland and their mother tongue through this programme was a very significant event. 
D.S.Saroya, Director, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was ably compered by Ravinder Kaul and Sunita Bhat.
Well known poet and author Arjun Dev Majboor and ace Music Director Krishan Langoo were felicitated by the Academy on the occasion.