Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Government College for Education, Parade organized Lohri festival here today.
Priya Sethi, Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture and Tourism was the chief guest on the occasion.While speaking on the occasion, Priya Sethi appreciated this effort of the organizers for holding this religious event saying that these celebrations provide us an opportunity to peep into our history and culture for a better understanding. “Such events greatly help in preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage for the posterity”, she maintained.Elaborating on the significance of celebrating this festival, the Minister said that the occasion symbolizes the victory of good over evil and inspires and encourages us to introspect and pure ourselves for a better life.“Observing festive events should be earnestly utilized for further cementing the bonds of love and amity in the society besides cleansing our thoughts and deeds for an improved human soul”, she asserted. She said that our culture and traditions symbolizes our identity and bind us together for creating a harmonious society to live in.The Minister exhorted upon the people to start their lives anew with new hopes and goals as this festival of Lohri marks the beginning of the end of winter and the coming of the new year.
Priya Sethi complimented the participating folk artists for their superb performance and emphasized upon them to carry forward such activities with same zeal and zest in future also. She stressed upon the need of collective efforts of people and other connected agencies for preservation and promotion of such activities as in present era such events have added significance in view of eroding values from the society.The Minister urged upon the teachers and parents to develop a sense of respect and concern among the wards about their culture and tradition as the impact of western world is overshadowing the young minds.
She appreciated the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for initiating a series of events envisaging protection and promotion of our several dying cultures and customs besides folk forms like Chhajja, Bhaakh and other folk music and arts.Dr. Aruna Dubey, Incharge Principal of the College, expressed gratitude to JKAACL for organizing such a cultural bonanza in the college to help students know and respect their customs.Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary JKAACL highlighted the objective of holding this Lohri festival.The folk parties who participated in the festival were Om Prakash and Party from Ramnagar, C.S. Katal and Party from Samba, Krishan Lal and Party and Dhari Ram and Party both from from Dansal, Rajinder Kumar and Party from Kah Potta and Natya Roots Dance Group, Sonali Pandita, Ashnita, Priya, Prachi, Aditi, Deepali, Amrita, Vishali, Nishu, Shiksha Bhat, Akash Dogra.