By Mool Raj
I am not an expert, just an individual expressing views on the Kala Utsav festival in the schools of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir through your esteemed English newspaper. This festival, named Kala Utsav up to the plus two level and “Display Your Talent” at the College and University Level, is an annual art festival in India. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents in musical and visual arts, aiming to foster creativity, artistic expression, and cultural diversity.
Kala Utsav is crucial in nurturing and showcasing talent in both musical and visual arts. The festival is organized towards the end of the year in different Indian states, including J&K UT, recognizing the significance of various art forms in students’ overall development. Through music and visual art, students express emotions, thoughts, and ideas, encouraging them to explore their creative potential and develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.
In J&K, Kala Utsav is organized through collaboration between the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha and the Directorate of School Education Kashmir. The cultural education wing of the school education department, with district cultural coordinators, organizes the program at the school, zonal, and district levels. Inter-district competitions culminate at the divisional levels in Srinagar and Jammu, with selected students participating in the UT-level Kala Utsav competition in Jammu. The best-talented students in different musical and visual art forms get the opportunity to showcase their skills at the national level, contributing to the awareness of rich cultural traditions in the country.
Musical art is integral to Kala Utsav, providing students with a platform to perform and exhibit their musical talents, fostering confidence and growth. Visual art is equally emphasized, allowing students to showcase paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other visual creations, promoting a culture of creativity and innovation.
Moreover, Kala Utsav plays a significant role in promoting cultural exchange, celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage. It provides a space for students from diverse backgrounds to share artistic traditions, fostering unity and mutual understanding. The festival also serves as a platform for fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking among students, enhancing their problem-solving skills and overall development.
In addition to showcasing talent, Kala Utsav provides opportunities for mentorship and learning from established artists through workshops and masterclasses. This encourages collaboration and teamwork among students, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment for artistic expression.
Kala Utsav is a significant annual art festival contributing to students’ overall development, promoting artistic excellence, nurturing a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, enriching the cultural fabric of the community. Due to this festival, our school excelled at the state level, with Ms. Sugata Manhas securing the first position in painting at Teacher Bhawan. She is a student of class 11th at Govt Higher Secondary School Khellani Doda. Ravi Kumar and his brother Sunny Kumar achieved positions at the Zonal and District Levels in Doda District. I hope the government continues these extracurricular activities for students to explore their hidden talents at various levels.
The author is a freelance writer and columnist.
