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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at JAMMU: The Department of Performing Arts, School of Humanities and Liberal Arts, Cluster University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, successfully staged the premiere of the Dogri play Jasma Odan at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.
Organized under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar, the event marked a significant cultural moment for the University. In his message, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the institution’s commitment to nurturing the performing arts, noting that celebrating our regional heritage is central to shaping confident and culturally rooted young artists.
Dr. Monika Sharma, Dean, School of Humanities & Liberal Arts, delivered the Welcome Address, extending greetings to the dignitaries, highlighting the vision of the Department of Performing Arts, and emphasizing the University’s dedication to promoting indigenous art forms.
Hon’ble Minister for Education, Medical Health & Education, and Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo, graced the event as the Chief Guest, adding distinction to the occasion. Hon’ble Minister, Ms Sakina Itoo laid the foundation stone of VC Cottage, Cluster University of Jammu in a virtual mode and released the official logo of the Department of Performing Arts.
In her brief address, Ms. Itoo expressed delight at witnessing the aspirations of young artists, calling the establishment of the Department of Performing Arts a pathbreaking step that enables students to pursue specialised education in Art, Theatre, and Music within Jammu & Kashmir. She emphasised that such initiatives help shape a future rooted in connectedness, harmony and peace. Congratulating the Vice Chancellor, faculty, and students for staging the Department’s first production, she appreciated Jasma Odan for presenting cultural glimpses of Haran, a treasured folk art form of Jammu.
Principal Secretary to Govt, Department of Culture, J&K, Sh B. M. Sharma( IFS), joined the event as Guest of Honour that was highly encouraging for the student and staff of the University. He commended the University’s initiative in reviving regional theatre, emphasising that theatre has historically been one of the most powerful mediums to communicate messages, sensitise communities, and inspire positive social change. He also expressed the Department’s willingness to support future collaborations, noting that “if the University wishes, we can formalise an MoU to create more opportunities for postgraduate students in training, research, and cultural participation.”
The event was further enriched by the presence of dignitaries including Ms. Sonali Arun Gupta (Additional Secretary, JKAACL). Prominent cultural icons such as Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra and Padma Shri Sh. Romalo Ram ji also graced the occasion. Senior officers from Cluster University of Jammu—including the Registrar, Dean Academic Affairs, Controller of Examinations, Dean Research Studies, Financial Advisor, Deans of Faculties, Principals of Constituent Colleges, Directors, faculty, students, and staff—were also present.
Written by Shanta Gandhi (in Gujarati) and translated into Dogri by Sh. Kavi Rattan, the play was directed by Dr. Abhishek Bharti and Aparna Kapoor.
The production was widely praised for its compelling narrative, visual dynamism, and the dedicated performances of the students of the Department of Performing Arts. The hallmark of the stage play was its direction by its staff in Dr. Abhishek Bharti and Ms Aparana Kohli, lyric composition by one of the students of MPA program, Mr. Karan, the preparation of props for the stage setting, from the scratch, by the Department’s students.
Vote of Thanks
Organizers Dr. Monika Sharma (Dean, SHLA) and Dr. Kuldeep Raina (Coordinator, MPA Programme) expressed gratitude to the audience and dignitaries for their support in making the event a memorable success. The staging of Jasma Odan stands as a significant step towards revitalizing regional arts and encouraging young performers within Jammu & Kashmir.
