Kashmir Pen News Bureau
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 09: A delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Music Artists Federation, Srinagar, led by noted artist and cultural activist Ustaad Waheed Jeelani, today called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of J&K, Jenab Omar Abdullah, in Srinagar. The meeting was held in the presence of the Chief Minister’s Advisors, Nasir Aslam Wani and Mudasar Shahmiri.
The delegation, comprising senior artists including Ustaad Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Ustaad Gulzar Ahmad Ganai, and Jenab Munir Ahmad Mir, apprised the Chief Minister of several long-pending issues faced by the artist community. They emphasized the urgent need for institutional backing, revival of cultural programs, and welfare measures to safeguard the unique identity of the region.
The Chief Minister, while giving a patient hearing, assured full support and acknowledged the cultural legacy of Jammu & Kashmir as one of its greatest strengths. He assured that the concerns raised would be addressed with priority.
A detailed memorandum was submitted, outlining key demands such as appointment of art-sensitive officers in cultural institutions, scholarships and pensions for senior artists, revival of cultural hubs like Tehzeeb Mahal, strengthening of All India Radio and Doordarshan Srinagar, promotion of cultural tourism and exchange programs, preservation of indigenous art forms, and formulation of a comprehensive cultural policy. The memorandum also urged the state to seek intervention from Union Ministries of I&B, Culture, and External Affairs for financial and institutional support to the sector.
The Federation expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his positive response and voiced optimism that under his leadership, concrete measures would be taken to safeguard and promote Jammu & Kashmir’s rich musical and cultural heritage | Kashmir Pen
