Notwithstanding the fact that memorandums are not considered to be attractive documents, the submission made herein deserve a very special kind of attention as it is regarding a culturally sensitive issue which has shaken the entire fraternity related with Art, Culture and Literature in Kashmir. This memorandum is outcome of two meetings which were held simultaneously in Srinagar and in Jammu by the people associated with the field of Art, Culture and Language for half century. As there are rumours and unconfirmed reports that the only cultural centre available in the capital city of Srinagar for the past 60 years known as Tagore Hall is being converted into Cinema House. We would like to place it on record that the artists and group of Creative people appreciate the importance of films as a medium of social change worldwide particularly in India.
In fact despite being a small place, J&K has also contributed to the development of film Industry in India and we are proud of having people from the State who have risen to the place of imminence in this particular field of creativity. However, as far as the Tagore Hall is concerned let us place this on record, it was constructed during the Tagore’s Cenertary celebrations some six decades back. Hence, GoI allocated Rs 25 lacs to each State for construction of Tagore Hall which were specifically dealt for the promotion of theatre and other promotional activities. Right from that time this particular place known as Tagore Hall in Srinagar has emerged the only cultural centre for the people related to Art, Culture and Literature in Kashmir. In fact it is the only professional theatre available to the people of Kashmir from Uri to Qazigund and from Gurez to Sonamarg. This particular structure has a history of its own and it has been the host to the series of events over the past half century. Convering it into a cinema house and depriving artists and litterateurs and cultural activists from the only facility available to them for expression to their creative potential. It will be a very harsh decision and will have a negative effect upon the psyche of the people who are looking forward for the better opportunities in the field of creative Arts.
We, therefore, collectively make this humble submission any such decision taken may kindly be reviewed. The Government has other options available to them in terms of defunct Cinema halls in Srinagar. Additionally other facilities which have been created over the past few years by different departments’including the auditorium one by information department can be easily used for cinema show activity. Even the SKICC has enough space to accommodate film exhibitions in one of its available halls. Therefore we approach your august self with humble submission that this memorandum may be considered sympathetically and considerably as it concerns culturally sensitive issue.
Yours sincerely,
Aadbi Markaz Kamraz
Maraz Aadbi Sangam
J&K Cultural Council
J&K Theatre Movement
KashmirTheatre Federation
Gulshan Cultural Forum
Kashmir Folk Singers Association
Kashmir Music Club
Through Coordinator
Ayash Arif
