Cultural Spaces Nurture Youth Talent: Dr. Ahsanul Haq Chishti
FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Sep 22: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) J&K, as part of its ongoing Sewa Parva campaign, in collaboration with Amar Singh College, Srinagar, on Sunday organised a day-long cultural festival titled “Symphonies of Peace”. The event turned into a vibrant celebration of creativity, harmony and youth talent, bringing together eminent dignitaries, cultural personalities, faculty members and students.
The festival was conceived with the aim of creating cultural and creative spaces for the youth, providing them with a platform to showcase their hidden talent and groom their artistic abilities. The initiative, aligned with the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and the spirit of Sewa Parv, highlighted the importance of promoting peace, brotherhood and cultural integration through art and expression.
The day witnessed a rich variety of performances, with students leaving the audience spellbound through an eclectic mix of music, theatre and traditional Kashmiri art forms. Enthusiastic performances of Kashmiri Rauf, Punjabi Tappe, martial art form Gatka, soul-stirring Qawalis and skits drew thunderous applause. The screening of documentaries on Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir further added a social dimension to the cultural showcase, spreading awareness on pressing issues confronting society.
In his keynote address, noted broadcaster and former Director of All India Radio (AIR) Srinagar, Syed Humayun Qaisar, advised the young participants to channel their energy into creative pursuits. “Creative endeavours not only polish hidden talent but also play a vital role in shaping personality and cultivating positive thinking,” he said, encouraging students to utilise such opportunities to the fullest.
Other speakers, including Prof. (Dr.) Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, Principal Amar Singh College; Dr. Ahsanul Haq Chishti, Deputy Director Information PR Kashmir; Burhan Hussain, Cultural Officer Kashmir; and noted actor-filmmaker Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, appreciated the initiative and underlined the need for regular platforms that nurture young voices and cultural vibrancy.
The joint initiative of DIPR and Amar Singh College received wide appreciation from the participants and attendees alike, with many calling it a meaningful step in strengthening cultural bonds and instilling the spirit of sewa—selfless service.
It is noteworthy that DIPR J&K is hosting a series of activities across the Union Territory as part of the broader Sewa Parv campaign, which is being observed from September 17 to October 2, 2025, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
