Witnesses Department’s maiden production ‘Jasma Odan’ at Abhinav Theatre

JAMMU: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today officially launched the Department of Performing Arts of Cluster University of Jammu (CUJ) besides releasing the official logo of the department in a grand celebration held at Abhinav Theatre here today.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo highlighted that the inauguration marks a significant expansion of university’s academic and cultural landscape, aimed at nurturing the young talent in music, theatre, dance and allied art forms.

She expressed delight at witnessing the aspirations of young artists, calling establishment of the Department of Performing Arts a path breaking step that will enable the students to pursue specialised education in Art, Theatre and Music within Jammu & Kashmir. She further added that such initiatives help to shape a future rooted in connectedness, harmony and peace.

Congratulating the Vice Chancellor Cluster University Jammu, faculty and students for staging the Department’s first production, the Minister appreciated Jasma Odan for presenting cultural glimpses of Haran, a treasured folk art form of Jammu.

The Minister further highlighted the government’s commitment towards promoting holistic and inclusive education. She highlighted that the creation of the Department of Performing Arts reflects a forward-looking vision to integrate cultural education with mainstream academics, thereby offering students expanded avenues for expression and professional growth.

Principal Secretary, Culture, B. M. Sharma, in his address, commended the University’s initiative in reviving regional theatre, emphasising that theatre has historically been one of the most powerful mediums to communicate messages, sensitise communities and inspire positive social change. He also expressed the Department’s willingness to support future collaborations, highlighting that the University and department of culture can formalise an MoU to create more opportunities for postgraduate students in training, research, and cultural participation.

In his address, Vice Chancellor, Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar emphasized on the institution’s commitment towards nurturing the performing arts, noting that celebrating our regional heritage is central to shaping confident and culturally rooted young artists.

In her welcome address, Dean, School of Humanities & Liberal Arts, Dr. Monika Sharma highlighted the vision of the Department of Performing Arts, and underlined the University’s dedication towards promoting indigenous art forms.

During the event, the Department of Performing Arts, School of Humanities and Liberal Arts, Cluster University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages also successfully staged the premiere of the Dogri play Jasma Odan, produced by the department itself.

Written by Shanta Gandhi (in Gujarati) and translated into Dogri by Kavi Rattan, the play was directed by Dr. Abhishek Bharti and Aparna Kapoor. The production was widely praised for its compelling narrative, visual dynamism, and the dedicated performances of the students of the Department of Performing Arts. The staging of Jasma Odan stands as a significant step towards revitalizing regional arts and encouraging young performers within Jammu & Kashmir.

Earlier, the Minister laid the foundation stone for VC Cottage, Cluster University of Jammu through virtual mode.

Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Sonali Arun Gupta; Prominent cultural icons such as Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra and Padma Shri Romalo Ram ji also graced the occasion.

Senior officers from Cluster University of Jammu, including Registrar, Dean Academic Affairs, Controller of Examinations, Dean Research Studies, Financial Advisor, Deans of Faculties, Principals of Constituent Colleges, Directors, faculty and students were also present on the occasion.