“Sanjhi Mitti, Sanjhi Viraasat”: A Celebration of Folk Literature and Music organised by The Literary Club and The Music Club of “Utsaah,” the Clubs, University of Jammu

The Music Club and the Literary Club under the aegis of “Utsaah,” the Clubs, University of Jammu showcased an extravaganza of scintillating performances in the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium of its Main Campus, as part of its ongoing ten day muti-arts festival “Protsaahan”. The programme themed “Sanjhi Mitti, Sanjhi Viraasat” was curated as a tribute to the folk arts of the Jammu Division of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.The  programme that was divided into two separate segments wherein performances were categorised  on the basis of those representative of the plains of Jammu and those imbued with the essence of the mountains, was a huge success as it left the audiences mesmerised. The performances were inspired by the diverse traditions of music such as the Karkan, Baran, Bhaints, Bishanpate, Kirtan, Bihai, Badhai, Ghodi, Suhag, Barah Mah, and Lohri Geet and were to the accompaniment of the tradition musical instruments peculiar to Jammu region namely, flute, ektara, dafla, sarangi, chang, narsingha, and kansiya, among others.

The Guest of Honour for the occasion was Ms. Asha Kesar who is a eminent Folk Singer. The programme commenced with the felicitation of the special guests who were presented with  tokens of regard and a memento. The Guest of Honour, Ms. Asha Kesar who is a renowned Folk Singer congratulated the organizers on the superlative success of the programme. She expressed her gratitude in being invited to such an enamoring event. She talked about her journey through music and expressed a need to acquaint the younger generation with the folk tradition and heritage.

In her formal welcome address, Prof. Satnam Kour Raina acknowledged the initiative of Dr. Neeraj Sharma (Coordinator, The Music Club and SSVC) and Dr. Sadaf Shah (Coordinator, The Literary Club and Associate Professor, Department of English) in organising a delectable musical programme. She talked about the ethos of “Utsaah” and the significance of the ongoing ten day multi-arts festival, Protsaahan to be promoting art and culture of the peripheral regions and promotion of the spirit of co-existence. She expressed her gratitude towards Ms. Asha Kesar, the esteemed Guest of Honour whose presence helped in the further polishing of the raw talent of the participants, and heartily congratulated each and everyone who participated and made the programme a phenomenal success.

  Among the key highlights of the day were the performances on the folk of Chenab Valley, Gojri, Pahari, andPunjabiby Navleen Kour, Amanpreet Kour, Seeta, Razia Sultana, Guneet Singh, Vishavpreet Singh, Mohd Saqlain Ayoub, Jasmeen Kour, Vidhita Jamwal, Garima Sharma, Mavish Sharma, Vrinda Sharma, and Shubham, who sang to the accompaniment of the instrumentalists Aryan Verma, Keshav Sharma, Lavish Sharma, and Chandan Punia who sang to the accompaniment of instrumental music. The programme was also studded by impromptu on-demand performances by the members of the Literary Club and the Music Club.

The official vote of thanks for the occasion was offered by Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Coordinator, The Music Club and Special Secretary to Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu who expressed his gratitude towards every individual who contributed to the triumphant success of the programme.

The convivial occasion was graced by the presence of Prof. Prakash Anthal, Prof. Rajeev Ratan, Prof. Jasbir Singh, Prof. Sucheta Pathania, Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Prof. Monika Sethi, Prof. Parmil Kumar,Prof. Sarika Manhas, Dr. Ravinder Singh Aman, Singh, Prof. Alka Sharma, Dr. Rashid Manhas, Dr. Pritam Singh, Dr. Garima Gupta, Dr. Sarita Sood, Dr. Sanjeev, Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Ms. Anuradha Sharma,Mr. Dubey, Mr. Sumeet Sharma, Mr. Kulbhushan, and Mr. Arif.

The master of ceremonies for the occasion was Mr. Raj Kumar (Renowned Radio Artist).While the introduction to the separate folk traditions was offered by Amanpreet Kour, Aarushi Singh Chauhan, Divya Anmol, Shiena Singh,and Komal Rajput.The overall arrangements for the event were undertaken by the members of both, The Music Club & The Literary Club.

A special mention must be made of the banner displayed for the event which incorporated the traditions of Calico and Basohli painting. Throngs of audiences graced the resounding auditorium and enjoyed their hearts out while greatly appreciating the initiative of literary and cultural engagement.In the spirit of “Protsaahan” the participants were presented with certificates and mementos.