JAMMU, Jan 12 ; Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday articulated a vision to transform Jammu & Kashmir from its profound spiritual and cultural roots into a world-renowned centre for artistic expression, terming it a “shared responsibility.”
Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Kesar Art Circle at Kala Kendra here, the Lieutenant Governor as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) emphasized the pivotal role of the artistic community in this endeavour. “From spiritual, cultural roots to new creative horizons, it is our collective responsibility to reimagine Jammu & Kashmir as an art hub,” Mr. Sinha stated. He expressed hope that painters and writers would significantly contribute to “building the artistic future of the Union Territory.”
LG Sinha positioned art as a powerful unifying and revitalizing force. “I believe art is a bridge to connect diverse cultures and to revive our ancient spiritual and cultural legacy,” he said. “Transforming Jammu Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual soul into a global art hub is a shared responsibility.”
LG Sinha underscored that art is foundational to societal progress. He described artists, thinkers, painters, and sculptors as the “conscience of society,” who inspire public participation in democracy and national development. He asserted that art forms like painting and sculpture are not mere luxuries but “vibrant forces that determine how a society thinks and moves forward,” fostering empathy and social cohesion by giving voice to emotions beyond language.
A key message was directed at the youth. “Art is both a mirror and a guide for society,” LG Sinha said. He urged the younger generation to “embrace art as a medium to preserve their cultural identity,” ensuring they remain rooted while contributing to the vision of a developed India, or ‘Viksit Bharat’. He called upon them to “use the power of art for positive change.”
During the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated Bhushan Kesar, the renowned painter and founder of the Kesar Art Circle. He lauded Kesar’s “extraordinary contribution” in nurturing thousands of artists who have achieved global success under his mentorship.
The event also saw the inauguration of a painting exhibition and felicitation of various artists. The occasion was attended by Padma Shri Dr. S.P. Varma, Principal Secretary (Culture) Brij Mohan Sharma, Regional Director of IGNCA Ms. Shruti Awasthi, Director Archives K.K. Sidha, Secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Ms. Harvinder Kour, Secretary of Kala Kendra Jammu Dr. Javaid Rahi, senior officials, and prominent citizens. (KNS)
