Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon on Wednesday called for the need to make new generation aware about the rich Kashmiri culture and tradition especially music.Dr Samoon said this while reviewing the preparations of Aalap music festival to be organized by SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) in Kashmir valley.The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director School Education, Dr Shah Faesal, Joint Director Information, Shafqat Iqbal, Principals of various schools and chairman SaMaPa Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Abhay Rustum Sopoiri, besides Deputy Commissioners of all the districts through video conferencing.While reviewing the arrangements for the festival, Divisional Commissioner asked all the Deputy Commissioners to make the arrangements for success of the events. He asked Department of Information, Tourism, Cultural Academy and Department of School Education to provide all possible support for success of the festival.
Dr. Samoon said the music bridges the gap among the people as it is the universal language that comes from the heart and unites persons, over and above any division.Giving details about the festival, Abhay Rustum Sopori said the weeklong festival will begin from15 March featuring around 10 to 12 concerts in Srinagar, Sopore, Baramulla, Anantnag. Ganderbal, Budgam, Bandipora and Kupwara districts at different venues including educational institutions and cultural centers. He said musicians from across the country are expected to visit the valley to showcase their performance.The Chairman SaMaPa said that the festival is a learning based programme and acts like a musical balm creating cultural awareness and new avenues for the younger generation to come forward with career in fields like arts and music. He said the aim of festival is to provide a platform to the younger generation and transfer the rich heritage to next generation besides educate them about their culture.