Newly elected Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, today reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering and enhancing the arts and culture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the inaugural Bingo! Fankar-E-Kashmir festival at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC), Shah emphasized that the current administration, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is fully dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the region's rich cultural heritage.
“Our government is fully committed to revitalizing the arts and culture scene in Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah said during his speech, highlighting the administration's ongoing efforts to support local talent and strengthen the cultural fabric of the region.
The MLA’s remarks come at a time when the government is actively pursuing initiatives aimed at providing platforms for local artists, ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving creative economy. Shah also touched on the importance of creating a cultural ecosystem that not only nurtures the traditional arts but also embraces modern developments in the sector.
He said that the government's focus is on empowering artists and preserving Jammu and Kashmir's rich cultural legacy, especially in the face of contemporary challenges. He outlined the government's ongoing initiatives to provide platforms for local talent, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cultural ties and nurturing the next generation of artists in the region. He further stressed the need for a comprehensive cultural policy—something that has long been a demand among the local artistic community.
“We must create a robust framework that addresses the challenges and aspirations of our artists,” Shah added. “There is an urgent need for a policy that will ensure the long-term support and growth of the arts sector in Jammu and Kashmir.”
In his speech, Shah also underscored the significance of events like Fankar-E-Kashmir, which not only showcase the rich traditions of the Valley but also offer a platform for emerging artists to gain visibility. “Such initiatives are vital to ensuring that our artists get the recognition they deserve, helping them connect with wider audiences and grow their careers,” he stated.
The Fankar-E-Kashmir festival, sponsored by Bingo!, Voltas Beko, and the Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, was designed to raise awareness about sustainable practices in the arts and empower local artists. Organizers noted that the event was a step toward creating greater opportunities for young talent, while preserving and celebrating Kashmir’s intangible cultural heritage.
“We aim to foster a vibrant artistic community in the region, one that supports both the individual growth of artists and contributes to the broader creative economy of the state,” the organizers explained.