 Early Times Report
HIRANAGAR, Nov 5: GLDM Degree College, in collaboration with the Jammu Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), organized a highly engaging Review-Cum-Interaction Meeting on the Cultural Resource Mapping of the Hiranagar Block, along with a Rangoli Competition focusing on Dogra Cultural Heritage. The event, which took place at the college campus, brought together students, faculty, and members of INTACH to celebrate and explore the region's rich cultural heritage.
The programme began with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dr. Pragya Khanna, Principal of GLDM College, accompanied by faculty members and INTACH representatives. This was followed by a soulful rendition of the Saraswati Vandana by students from the college's Music Department, creating a harmonious and respectful atmosphere to kick off the event.
Dr. Pragya Khanna, Principal of the College, in her welcome address, praised the collaborative efforts of INTACH in offering valuable internship opportunities to the college students. She highlighted the significance of the Cultural Resource Mapping initiative, noting how it had facilitated a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural elements within the Hiranagar Block. Dr. Khanna also spoke about the enriching journey the students had embarked on, gaining new insights into local heritage and its preservation.
The event proceeded with Dr. Bhavana Jamwal and student Dhanvir presenting a detailed report on the findings of the Cultural Resource Mapping project.
This 15-day internship had provided students with the opportunity to explore and document the various cultural assets within the region. Following this, seven students from GLDM College shared their individual presentations on different aspects of the Hiranagar Block's cultural heritage. Each presentation revealed a unique facet of the area's history and traditions. Radhika Kundal discussed the region's fairs and festivals, while Arti Devi presented insights into the medicinal herbs native to the area. Manisha Kumari focused on the built heritage of the block, while Sonia Sharma shared her findings on Dogra culture, including the region's culinary traditions. Sonika Sharma highlighted the military heritage of Hiranagar, and Munisha Kumari shed light on the traditional handicrafts and handloom practices that define the local culture, Sakshi focussed on local Water Bodies.
Alongside Review-cum-Interaction meeting, a Rangoli competition was held with a theme centered around Dogra Cultural Heritage. The competition saw enthusiastic participation from 12 schools in the Hiranagar Block, with students creating colorful and intricate Rangoli designs that depicted various elements of Dogra culture. The competition was judged by a distinguished panel that included Prof. Kamaljeet Kour, Prof. Poonam Kamotra, and K.K. Sharma, former Director of Floriculture. The competition concluded with Sai International School, Hiranagar, winning the first prize, followed by Infant Jesus HSS, Hiranagar, who took home the second prize. The third prize was shared between GMS Phallapur and Govt. GHS Hiranagar. The Rangoli Competition was coordinated by Dr Rajni Bala, Prof Ganga Sharma, Prof Surinder Kumar and Prof Amit Kumar Sharma.
S.M. Sahni, Convener of the INTACH Jammu Chapter, delivered the concluding remarks, commending the students for their dedication and hard work during the 15-day internship. He encouraged them to continue their efforts to further explore and document the cultural heritage of the Hiranagar Block. He also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the unique traditions and history of the region for future generations.
The entire programme was ably compered by Prof Shapia Shameen.
Prof Rakesh Sharma presented formal Vote Of Thanks.
Accompanied with the INTACH Team were Abhishek Sangra and Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Handicraft training officers and Ankush Sharma, Convener INTACH, subchapter Kathua.
The other faculty members of the college present during the programme included Dr Rajesh Sharma, Prof Balwinder Kour, Dr Farzana, Prof Poonam, Prof Shivani Slathia, Dr Inam-ul-Haq, Dr Nasir Ahmad Baba, Dr Aditi Sharma, Dr Ritu Raj Sharma, Dr Mohd Shafi Dar. |
