Basholi Utsav-2025: Students, Youth Pledge to Protect Jammu’s Art, Language and Identity

Kathua 23-09-2025: Natrang presented a thought-provoking Hindi play “Meri Viraasat Mera Garv” Here today at three locations of Sub District, Basholi viz. Zero Morh, Parla Chowgan, Bus Stand Basholi and Atal Setu Basholi in connection with Basholi Utsav-2025. Organised By Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Written by Jammu and Kashmir State Awardee & National Fellowship Holder Pawan Verma and ably directed by eminent theatre director Neeraj Kant, the play highlighted the urgent need to preserve Jammu’s rich cultural heritage, language, art and monuments, reminding audiences that these treasures are the true identity and pride of a community.

The play opened with a group of actors raising slogans about the preservation of heritage, culture and language. A narrator, intrigued by their fervor, asked about their cause. The actors explained that their mission was to spread awareness regarding the protection of heritage. While appreciating their intent, the narrator reminded the audience that heritage forms the true identity of the people.

The narrative then unfolded around Jammu’s historic Mubarak Mandi Palace, once the pride of the Dogra dynasty but now lying in ruins. A young girl personifying Mubarak Mandi entered the stage, expressing her sorrow over the present condition of the palace, yet also sharing hope that restoration efforts have begun. She appealed to the audience to contribute to the mission of safeguarding heritage. Her plea inspired a group of youngsters to pledge their commitment towards raising awareness and working actively for preservation.

The scene then shifted to a classroom where a teacher engaged his students in a dialogue on identity. The youth associated identity with modern possessions such as bikes, hairstyles and mobile phones. The teacher gently corrected them, emphasizing that these were temporary, while the true identity of a community lies in its culture, language and heritage. He introduced them to the world-famous Basohli miniature paintings, renowned for their natural colors, unique style and rich depictions of religious and historical themes. He also shed light on the traditional folk dance Kud, a cultural treasure dating back nearly 1,500 years.

The play concluded with a compelling reminder that language, culture, art forms, dances, artists and monuments are our real legacy. Safeguarding them is not just a responsibility but also a source of immense pride.

The production featured impactful performances by Neeraj Kant, Pawan Verma, Kushal Bhat, Aryan Sharma, Bablu Kumar, Kananpreet Kaur, Vandana Sharma and Kartik Kumar