Minister for Finance, Education, Labour and Employment, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today inaugurated 4th Mufti Mohammad Syed memorial international art exhibition here at Kala Kendra. The four-day exhibition, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Creative Art (JKCCA), witnessed display of visual art works of state, national and foreign painters and sculptures, drawing huge number of art lovers.MLC Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, veteran poet and writer M Y Tang and a galaxy of artists, intellectuals and academicians attended the inaugural function.In his inaugural address, Altaf Bukhari welcomed the gesture of JKCCA for holding the prestigious event annually in memory of former Chief Minister Late Mufti Mohammad Syed adding that the late leader had a deep insight for art and literature which is reflected in his close association with people of diverse fields of art and literature. “By holding this annual event you have reciprocated to the great respect our leader had for the art and artists,” he said while congratulating the organizers.
Highlighting the importance of art and artists in a civilized society, the Minister said their art works are an awakening call to the current and future generations about the evils that have might have infested the humanity. “Artists speak through their work which generally highlights need for reforms in social conduct, our connection with the environment and surroundings and the human emotions”, he said while referring to the art works displayed in the exhibition.Altaf Bukhari invited the JKCCA to hold similar event in Srinagar, while announcing that Higher Education Department would provide the venue at SP heritage College- the constituent college of Cluster University Srinagar.The Minister also announced Rs two lakh as assistance to the organization for promoting art and culture in the state.MLC Zaffar Iqbal Manhas and MY Tang also hailed the organizers for their commendable work in art and literature.