Srinagar 13th April, 2023:Artists of Kashmir felicitated the Cultural Diplomat of India eminent cultural figure of J&K Balwant Thakur at Tagore Hall Srinagar on his arrival in Kashmir after a decade. Balwant Thakur served as Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages between 1995 to 2003 and later as Regional Director of Indian Council for Cultural Relations Jammu & Kashmir in the Ministry of External Affairs Government of India between 2012 to 2018. While interacting with the various groups of Rouf, Dhambali, Bhand Pather and Kashmiri Sazina, Balwant Thakur dwelt in detail about the opportunities available within and outside the country for showcasing the rich culture of Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing his experience of Diplomatic assignments in South Africa and Mauritius, he informed that there is a huge thrust amongst foreign audiences and are keen to learn, explore and observe the rarest performing art traditions of Jammu and Kashmir. To cater to that growing demand we need to infuse sheer professionalism in our approach of production and presentation of arts. Seeing their charged enthusiasm and fervour, Balwant Thakur expressed his extreme happiness having seen over 300 artists having turned up to meet him.
Prominent amongst those who attended his brief sessions included Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Mohd Sadeeq, Chairman, All Kashmir Folk Artists Association and Bismillah Khan Yuva Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Shah-e-Jahan, Bismillah Khan Yuva Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Manzoor-ul-Haq,
Kashmiri Dance group leaders viz. Shagufta Rahman and Group, Yemberzal Cultural Group,
Ifra Ayoub Khan and Group, Lotus Cultural Group headed by Tabasum Rehman, Dhambali dance groups of Tanveer Ah. Shah, Taweed Ah. Shah and Zahoor Ah. Shah.