Govt. Must Support Its Poets, Writers, and Artists with Dignity
Kashmir, the land that has for centuries echoed with the verses of Habba Khatoon, Lalla Ded, Rasul Mir, Mahjoor, and countless others, stands today at a cultural crossroads. While the Valley’s landscape continues to inspire, its artists, writers, poets, dramatists, and performers — the very custodians of its soul — are struggling to survive. The economic hardships faced by these creative minds have reached alarming proportions, threatening not just their livelihoods but also the living heritage of Kashmir’s cultural identity. It is high time the Government of Jammu and Kashmir intervene meaningfully to safeguard and support the region’s literary and artistic communities.
The creative class in Kashmir, though small in number, forms an integral part of its social and emotional fabric. Their work transcends entertainment — it preserves the collective memory of the people, their struggles, their spirituality, their humor, and their aspirations. Yet, many of these individuals now live in despair. The poets who once filled public halls with lyrical reflections of life, the writers whose works have chronicled the Valley’s pain and resilience, the drama artists who revived Kashmiri theatre with passion and grit — all are now victims of neglect and economic uncertainty.
Many local poets, dramatists, and fiction writers work without any institutional support. Literary circles that once flourished with weekly mehfils and mushairas now face extinction. The rise in living costs, lack of publishing opportunities, and absence of state-sponsored grants have pushed many towards obscurity. Writers who have spent decades enriching the Kashmiri language find themselves unable to publish their manuscripts. Theatre groups that once staged thought-provoking plays at Tagore Hall and other cultural venues now struggle even to afford rehearsal spaces or basic stage materials. These hardships are not just individual tragedies — they collectively signify a cultural crisis.
The Department of Culture and allied bodies such as the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages must rise to the occasion. The government must realize that literature and art are not luxuries; they are necessities that define the ethos of a society. Supporting the creative community is an investment in cultural continuity and social cohesion. There should be structured financial assistance, regular fellowships, and pension schemes for artists, writers, poets, and performers who have dedicated their lives to nurturing Kashmiri art and literature.
However, while extending such support, the government must do so with utmost sensitivity. Poets, writers, and artists are individuals of profound self-respect and deep self-awareness. Their art springs from dignity, not dependency. Assistance should therefore never appear as charity or sponsorship, nor as a humiliating “wazifa” in the style of Ghalib’s era. Instead, it should be a recognition of their immense contribution to the cultural and intellectual life of Kashmir — a way of honoring their service to society.
The government must keep their dignity and self-esteem at the forefront while designing any welfare or grant mechanism. The support extended should celebrate their creative value, not pity their economic distress. Such programs could take the form of artist residencies, creative scholarships, publication grants, health and pension schemes — all framed with respect, confidentiality, and pride in their achievements. We must remember that cultural creators live not for wealth but for expression, and when society fails to value that expression, it impoverishes itself.
Moreover, the state must reestablish vibrant literary and cultural spaces. Annual cultural festivals, theatre carnivals, and regional book fairs could provide platforms for creative exchange and recognition. The reopening and revitalization of cultural hubs such as Tagore Hall, SP College auditorium, and Abhinav Theatre must be prioritized, not as ceremonial acts but as sustained commitments to cultural growth. Public libraries should be modernized and equipped to host readings, discussions, and workshops to encourage the younger generation to connect with their cultural roots.
Equally important is the need for digital adaptation. In an age where technology drives accessibility, the government must facilitate digital archiving of Kashmiri literature, provide online publishing grants, and support e-platforms for Kashmiri writers and poets. This would not only help preserve valuable works but also bring them to a global audience that increasingly consumes culture through screens rather than shelves.
The state’s universities and colleges should integrate local art, poetry, and drama into their curricula to inspire students and keep the region’s cultural traditions alive. Schools, too, can play a vital role by holding regular cultural competitions, storytelling sessions, and art exhibitions that highlight the contribution of Kashmiri creatives.
Above all, the government must treat artists with dignity and empathy. Too often, poets and dramatists are invited to events only to be given symbolic recognition without real support. A sincere and structured policy — one that includes healthcare, pension benefits, creative funding, and above all, respect — would reflect true appreciation of their contribution.
The preservation of Kashmir’s cultural identity cannot be left to voluntary effort alone. If the government can invest heavily in infrastructure, technology, and tourism, it must also recognize that art and literature are the invisible infrastructures of a society — the moral, emotional, and intellectual pillars upon which true development rests.
Kashmir’s history is not just written in chronicles of kings or wars but in the verses of its poets, the prose of its writers, the performances of its actors, and the melodies of its musicians. To neglect them is to allow silence to engulf a civilization that once sang in a thousand voices.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir must, therefore, act now — to fund, to protect, and to celebrate its creative community, with dignity and respect. Because if the voices of poets, writers, and artists fade into economic despair, Kashmir will lose not just its culture, but its soul.
Only when we respect our creators and their self-esteem can we truly preserve the creation called Kashmir.
