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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 Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) has operationalised the prestigious Guru–Shishya Parampara Scheme from January 1, 2026, marking the commencement of structured training classes by three selected Gurus at their respective locations across the Union Territory. The initiative aims to preserve, revitalize and pass on rare and endangered traditional art forms of Jammu and Kashmir through the time-honoured Guru–Shishya tradition.
The scheme seeks to identify eminent masters of traditional art forms and engage them in the systematic training of young disciples, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Under the programme, each selected Guru imparts training to a group of five to eight Shishyas in a specific art form. To ensure sustained engagement, a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 is provided to the Guru, ₹7,500 to the accompanist or assistant and ₹5,000 to each Shishya. The duration of training has been fixed at one year and is extendable by another year subject to the performance review.
The scheme received an overwhelming response from across the Union Territory with nearly 200 applications, including 63 from Kashmir and 137 from Jammu. After detailed scrutiny and evaluation by a panel of experts, three traditional art forms on the verge of extinction were identified and eminent practitioners were appointed as Gurus to revive and safeguard these cultural expressions.
Salochna Devi has been selected as Guru for the Ghuria folk dance of Paddar, Dev Raj for the Massadey folk tradition of Bani and Abdul Rashid Mir for the Dastan folk tradition of Kashmir. All three Gurus have commenced imparting structured training to their respective groups of Shishyas, ensuring authenticity, discipline and continuity of these traditions.
Massadey is a vibrant Dogri folk performance deeply rooted in storytelling, music and movement, reflecting local legends, myths and social values. Dastan-e-Goi is a classical oral storytelling tradition renowned for its elaborate narratives and dramatic expression, representing a rich legacy of oral literature. Ghuria, a women-led folk dance of Paddar in Kishtwar district, blends flute, dhouns and call-and-response singing and is deeply embedded in community life, though presently facing the threat of extinction.
Through the Guru–Shishya Parampara Scheme, JKAACL is continuing its efforts to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring its transmission to future generations in its most authentic and traditional form.
