New Delhi, December 6, 2025: Eminent theatre director and former Cultural Diplomat of India to South Africa and Mauritius, Balwant Thakur, today met Mrs. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama), at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. In a detailed interaction, Thakur urged the Akademi to initiate a dedicated, region-specific intervention for the preservation, documentation and promotion of the performing arts heritage of Jammu & Kashmir, a region known for its extraordinary diversity yet facing an alarming decline in its traditional art forms.
Thakur expressed deep concern over the rapidly fading indigenous performance traditions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. He highlighted that several folk, classical and ritualistic art forms once vibrant carriers of community identity are today struggling for survival due to lack of systematic support, generational discontinuity and socio-economic pressures. Many practices, he stressed, are already on the verge of extinction, and a few have disappeared entirely.
Calling this a “critical moment for cultural rescue,” Thakur appealed to the Sangeet Natak Akademi to play a proactive role in reversing this decline. He recommended targeted programmes such as field research, artist fellowships, major revival projects, training programmes and workshops for young practitioners, scholarships for apprentices, and inclusion of J&K’s unique forms in national festivals and cultural exchanges. “The cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir is one of the richest in the country, and it deserves urgent national attention before irreplaceable traditions are lost forever,” he noted.
Balwant Thakur’s request carries special weight given his four decades long contribution to the performing arts of Jammu and Kashmir and India as a whole. Widely regarded as one of the most impactful cultural figures of India from the region, Thakur has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting J&K’s folk and theatrical traditions. Through his landmark productions such as Ghumayee, Bawa Jitto, Mata Ki Kahani and numerous multilingual folk presentations, he brought the region’s cultural identity to national and international platforms. His work has not only revived interest in traditional forms but also provided livelihood opportunities to countless folk artists from remote regions.
Beyond Jammu & Kashmir, Thakur’s contributions as a cultural diplomat expanded India’s artistic footprint across continents. His initiatives in South Africa and Mauritius strengthened cultural cooperation, showcased India’s performing arts globally, and built enduring cultural institutions abroad. He continues to be a strong voice advocating for the dignity, visibility and sustainability of traditional artists.
Mrs. Sandhya Purecha appreciated Thakur’s concerns and acknowledged the importance of safeguarding J&K’s cultural heritage. She assured that the Akademi remains committed to supporting diverse artistic traditions and will explore structured collaborations to uplift the performing communities of the region.
The meeting concluded with optimism that renewed national attention and institutional support will help rejuvenate the artistic landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.