The Young Dramatists Society, in collaboration with the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), successfully concluded its highly anticipated Mega Theatre and Cultural Festival, “JESHNI KALA SANSKRITI” sponsored by North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC ) under the scheme component of “Kala Sanskrit Vikas Yajna”. Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of Himalayas 2022- 2023 NEZCC , A Traditional Art Form of Kashmir & Training in Traditional Folk Art ) titled “ DAASTAAN THEATRE” held from 7th to 13th November 2024 at the IUST campus. This week-long festival brought together a celebration of arts, theatre, and cultural exchange, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and participants alike.
The event, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, received critical support from the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) as well as supported by Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd. The festival showcased an array of vibrant cultural performances, theatrical productions, folk art displays, and traditional music sessions, capturing the rich heritage and diverse talent of artists from across the region.
With over 500 artists, actors, and musicians participating, the event served as a platform for emerging and established talent to share their craft. From engaging theatre productions that explored social and cultural narratives to enthralling folk dance performances that celebrated the unique traditions of Kashmir, the festival fostered a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.
The festival also included a series of workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by industry experts, offering insights into various aspects of theatre production, scriptwriting, and acting. These sessions attracted a significant number of young enthusiasts, furthering the festival’s mission to inspire and nurture the next generation of dramatists and cultural advocates.
Dignitaries, including officials from the Ministry of Culture, representatives from JKAACL, and executives from Jammu and Kashmir Bank, attended the concluding ceremony. They commended the Young Dramatists Society and Islamic University of Science and Technology for their dedication to promoting cultural heritage and applauded the overwhelming response from the local community.
The Young Dramatists Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporters partners, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to the success of this festival.
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, inaugurated the seven day Theatre and Cultural festival “JASHN-I-KALA SANSKRITI”, its 19th Foundation Day celebrations with a week- long cultural extravaganza. The event, curated by “JASHN-I-KALA SANSKRITI” supervised by Young Dramatists Society showcased exceptional 150 talented artists from students community IUST and 350 professional artists performed in Theatre Plays and mega cultural programmes.
The festival showcased the Theatre plays from famous Kashmiri Playwrights like Bashir Dada “Dama Koothar” and Dr. Sohan Lal Koul, “Pranawar” by Young Dramatists Society , Sheikh Mohammad Hanief “ Sondar Maal” Kashmir Valley Theatre, Dildar Ashraf Shah “Penji Peth” Shahkaar Cultural Society , Gh. Udin Bahar, “ Gatta Te Gaash” Mehboob Cultural society , Tahir Najar, “ Su kar Yiyi “ Tulkul Arts and Media Collective under the directions of Gul Javed Khan, Zahoor Zaidi, Ravice Rashid, it was sponsored by CFPGS and SNA .
This festival also conducted and organized a training class/workshop for promoting of cultural component of Kashmir “Dastan Theatre” which was approved by MOC under the scheme of Preservation and Development of Cultural Heritage of Himalayas 2022-2023 NEZCC , A Traditional Art Form of Kashmir & Training in Traditional Folk Art )
On concluding day of the festival “Dastaan Theatre” (Fable teller) Mir Abdul Rashid and Mir Parvaiz from Kashmir both demonstrated their antique talent on stage and live performance before crowded audiences. The Rouff dancers like Sana Khan, Fida, Fatima Sheikh, Mehar Shafi, Munazah Yousuf, Ifra, Farhana , Falak, Neelofar and Saima . The theatre concern like Arjumand Anrabi, Numan Manzoor, Sabir Rather, Usama Kondroo, Tahir Najar, Bilal Bhagat, Junaid, Fauqia, Tanveer, Ravice Rashid, Tanveer Bhat, Jozi Mir, Ashraf Andrabi (Razgeeri) Shafi Khan, Gulfam Barji, Jameela Akhtar and musician Zahoor Ahmad Rather (santoor player and Sitarist), Bashir Ahmad Kotroo and approximately 150 students from IUST . The technical team was under the supervisions of Wasaaqat Mehraj, Gaalib Rashid , Shamiq and Faizan. Mushtaq Baqal and Syed Javid Gilani chief organizers of the festival was also present in the concluding function. The entire festival was anchored by Anika Rashid Farash and last items was felicitation to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, I/C officer Corporate Communication j and K Bank Ltd. for their cordially support , Mushtaq Baqal honored for the group Young Dramatists Society for celebrating its 50th year the golden jubilee year 1974-2024) , Syed Javid Gilani, Altaf Hussain as a festival directors , Anika Rashid Faraash for her appreciation , Dr. Asifa Baba and Dr. Farhana was honoured by both IUST & YDS
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, inaugurated the seven Theatre and Cultural festival “JASHN-I-KALA SANSKRITI”, Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoom (Registrar IUST) and Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon (Dean Head IUST) Dr. Asifa Baba Dean Students Welfare and Coordinator Cultural Team Dr. Farhana Mehraj Allai , Habba Khatoon Centre for Kashmiri Language & Literature (IUST) was present in the concluding function and personalities from Television and Theatre Media Mr. Mohammad Amin Bhat president AMK , Mr. Mushtaq Bala, Film Maker, Nisar Niseem Theatre personality , Mr. Shafiq Qureshi (Theatre observer ) Prof. Naseema Shafai Poet and Writer , Prof. Farooq Fayaz, (Scholar and Historian)
The event drew hundreds of visitors, staff, and students. IUST extends gratitude to Festival Director Altaf Hussain (Theatre worker), and especially the Corporate Communications of J&K Bank for their generous support for sponsoring the festival
