Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATHUA: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Jammu today organised a series of cultural, literary and intellectual programmes as part of Basohli Utsav 2026, showcasing the region’s rich heritage while promoting traditional art forms, linguistic preservation, women’s empowerment, environmental awareness and youth participation.
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition on ‘Shakti Parampara’ was organised at Rani Talab, highlighting the significance of feminine power and the enduring role of women in Indian cultural traditions. A unique ‘Shakti Vriksh’ installed at the entrance invited visitors to write the names of, or share reflections on, women who had positively influenced their lives.
The initiative provided an interactive platform to recognise women’s contributions to families, communities and society. A separate exhibition further highlighted the diverse roles and achievements of women, underscoring the importance of their recognition and empowerment.
To promote linguistic heritage, the ‘Seekho Takri’ initiative familiarised participants with the Takri script and encouraged its preservation and wider adoption among younger generations.
In a significant academic initiative to deepen the understanding of Basohli painting, IGNCA organised a seminar on ‘Geet Govindam’, bringing together scholars from across the country. The deliberations explored the literary, philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of the classical text and its relevance to artistic expression, particularly in the context of themes associated with Basohli painting.
The programme also featured panel discussions on ‘Western Devi Parampara in the Western Himalayas’ and ‘Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Humanity’, providing a platform to deliberate on regional cultural traditions and emerging technological challenges.
Promoting democratic awareness and youth participation, a Youth Parliament was organised at the iconic Basohli Fort, encouraging young participants to engage with parliamentary procedures, public issues and democratic values.
In collaboration with the Jal Jeevan Mission, an exhibition was organised to sensitise visitors about water conservation, efficient water use and sustainable water management, encouraging responsible practices for the protection of natural water resources.
A Cartoon Workshop was also organised for budding artists, with seven renowned cartoonists from across India sharing their skills, techniques and experiences with aspiring artists. Students from various schools and colleges participated enthusiastically, while visitors of different age groups explored the art of cartooning and creative expression. The workshop provided a platform for nurturing young talent and fostering appreciation for visual arts.
These arrays of activities were held under the supervision of Director, IGNCA Jammu Shruti Awasthi. Through these diverse initiatives, IGNCA, Jammu enriched the cultural and intellectual dimensions of Basohli Utsav 2026, bringing together heritage, scholarship, artistic expression and public participation. The programmes reflected the festival’s broader vision of connecting the region’s rich cultural traditions with contemporary ideas while encouraging greater awareness and engagement among youth and the wider community.
