In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 3-day long Amrit Yuva Kalotsav, organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages at Tagore Hall in Srinagar today. The festival of music, dance and drama commemorates the 75 years of India's Independence.
 
In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor commended the endeavour of Sangeet Natak Akademi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages for providing a platform for young artists from across the country to showcase their talents. He said the young artists from different states and UTs are getting an opportunity to fill crores of souls with their performances. He observed that music, dance, and theatre are not merely art forms but are the keys that open all the locks of vast existence and tremendous possibilities of life. He said artists are real treasures and pride of the country and the wealth they possess cannot be equated with any material wealth.
 
Mr Sinha acknowledged the immense contribution of the artists in weaving many sects, customs, religions, cultures, languages, and social systems in the garland of unity and spreading its fragrance in every corner of the world.
 
The Lieutenant Governor said under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,  Amrit Yuva Kalotsav reflects society's aspirations and motivates the young generation to move forward in the journey of Amrit Kaal with new vigour, new dreams, determination and commitment to nation-building. He said the biggest strength of our culture is unity in diversity and in order to strengthen this diversity, to bring states, cultures, languages, artists, and youth closer to each other, Prime Minister had started the mission of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
 
The Lt Governor also highlighted the endeavours of the UT Administration for the revival of old Crafts of Jammu Kashmir like Namda and the initiatives taken for the training of the artisans.
 
Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi shared the efforts of the Akademi to promote the art and culture of Jammu Kashmir. She informed that the Sangeet Natak Akademi will organise a workshop on Bhand-Pather across the country.
 
Sujit Singh, DIG, Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, Raju Das, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi, renowned artists, prominent citizens and youth were present on the occasion.