Matter of survival of 10,000 professionals and families
Fayaz Jamal Bhat
Srinagar,June 15: In a press statement, Waheed Jeelani- Artist, Cultural & Social Activist, has urged the Governor Sh. Satiya Paul Malik to look into the long pending grave issues of creative professionals and artist community of the state and take up these issues with PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah who is visiting Kashmir next week.
At the very outset, I would request the Governor and his administration that special attention may be given to revival of cultural activities/ Cultural Exchange in the state in general and in Kashmir region in particular, as it is an admitted fact that revival of art & culture alone can bring long term peace & prosperity in any society or region, Waheed Jeelani said.
Related to our rich cultural landscape all important issues deserve top priority to achieve the good results on the cultural front. I would like to draw Governor’s attention towards the sufferings of the artists of Kashmir, who have given their blood & sweat to the field of Art despite facing several hardships and have sacrificed their everything just to keep state shining on the world cultural scenario but nowadays are in a complete state of distress, disappointment, shock and mental depression due to lack of work opportunities, tremendous financial constraints, negligence of cultural institutions at both central & state govt. levels.
In order to safeguard the present & the future of these respected, creative & qualified performing artists and thousands people associated with Kashmir’s film and television industry, the administration must prioritize the issues by taking up with the PM, HM, and all concerned for strengthening of Doordarshan’s Kashir channel (DD-Kashir) and Srinagar Doordarshan, as a window of Kashmir’s cultural heritage with thrust on highlightening the positives in an active manner through various programs, with larger scope for involvement of performing artists from the genres of art. Adequate funding and allotment of major share of programs to Kashmir based creative professionals and film makers Jeelani demanded.
Adoption & implementation of a cultural policy for the state of Jammu & Kashmir to substitute the present adhocism & such a Policy may be institutionalized for implementation in a time bound manner. J&K state has been the worst sufferer during the last more than three decades due to prevailing circumstances from time to time. Governor’s administration should take up these issues with the higher authorities of Ministry of culture, North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala Punjab (N.Z.C.C) for appropriate functioning of its Kashmir regional office and allotment of funds and programs in a transparent manner for the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Waheed Jeelani added.
I also would request the Governor sahib to write up a strong recommendation to the Minister for External Affairs Govt. of India & President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (I.C.C.R) for strengthening of Kashmir chapter of I.C.C.R, which has been shifted to Jammu for no reasons.
The Governor who is also the president of Academy of art culture and languages is requested to appoint a well versed and capable person to head the State’s cultural academy so as the legacy of this state’s only cultural institution can be kept intact, Waheed Jeelani demanded.
I request the govt. that all vacant posts pertaining to the Art field in various educational institutions, cultural academy and cultural wing of state information department should be advertized and filled on priority so that all qualified and deserving artists of Kashmir and Jammu as well can be appointed, engaged on regular or contractual basis to contribute towards their respective fields and at the same to earn their livelihood to run their families.