Eminent artist & cultural activist Waheed Jeelani urges separate Cultural Academies for Kashmir and Jammu

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JANUARY 22 (STC): In a significant statement, an eminent artist and cultural activist, Waheed Jeelani, has ‘forcefully’ urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to take a bold and visionary step by creating a separate Cultural Academy for Kashmir, to be headed by a Kashmiri officer with deep understanding of art, culture and the region’s living heritage.
Jeelani, who is Chairman of the Kashmir Music Club Srinagar, stated that the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir already follows a dual administrative structure in key departments such as Tourism, School Education and several others, with separate heads for Jammu and Kashmir. In the same spirit, the cultural sector too deserves a structure that respects regional sensitivities, diversity and ground realities.
In a statement issued to media, he has made a strong appeal to leading cultural organisations, senior artists and veteran intellectuals of Kashmir to unite and openly endorse this demand before the concerned authorities, in the larger interest of justice, cultural integrity and the smooth functioning of this prestigious institution.
Culture is not a routine administrative subject; it demands insight, empathy and intimate knowledge of local traditions, he said.
He emphasized that the time has come to think decisively and establish separate Cultural Academies for Kashmir and Jammu, so that artists, scholars and cultural stakeholders of both regions receive fair representation, focused attention and meaningful support. This step, he said, will strengthen institutions, improve governance and uphold the dignity of the cultural ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir.

(Straight Talk Communications)