The Regional Centre of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) organized a Webinar, “Eternal impressions of the Artists from J&K” on Sunday February 20, 2022.Art plays a pivotal role in shaping societies and civilizations. J&K has since ages contributed immensely in different realms of visual art forms and left an indomitable mark not only in pan-Indian art movement but also its impact can be seen in far off lands. The creative works of artists and artisans of J&K are celebrated in the art world. The webinar was organized to give tribute to visual artists from J&K who contributed significantly in the development of art in the post-independence era. Sh. Sumanta Sarathi Sharma, Head, School of Philosophy and Culture, SMVDU and Faculty Coordinator, EK Bharat Shreshtha Bharat welcomed the speakers.Dr. Virendra Bangroo, Director IGNCA Regional Center moderated the session and in his introductory note shared his personal interactions with Late Gayur Hassan, Shuja Sultan, Master Sansar Chand Baru and Shri Manohar Kaul the leading artists of J&K. He emphasized that these artists carried the tradition of Guru Sheshya parampara in letter and spirit.
Sh. Sajad H.Hamdani, Assistant Professor, Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharti University, talked about the contribution of late Sh.Gayur Hassan sahib. He remembered him as a teacher, guide, mentor and above all a wonderful human being. Gayur Sahib was a student of Shankho Chaudhary and appreciated all art forms and according to Hamdani was a kind of school in himself. Sh Hamdani also highlighted the role of G.R. Santosh who had a great impact on the thought and art of Gayur Hassan. Sh. Ganesh Kumar Sharma, contemporary sculptor, paid a glowing tribute to his Guru Late Sh. Vidya Ratan Khajuria, credited to have started the modern art movement in the field of sculpture in J&K. Sh. Khajuria helped many artists to establish themselves in the field of art. Shri Ganesh Sharma has set up an art gallery in Vijaypur, Jammu in the memory of his Guru V.R. Khajuria. Sh. Narendra Safaya, president, Heritage Kashmir, in his speech described the artistic journey of Late D.N Wali Almast Kashmiri. Poet and artist, Almast in his watercolor paintings captured the pristine beauty of Kashmir. Late Sh. Manohar Kaul, an artist and writer, was inspired by the paintings of Almast . Manohar Kaul helped many artists in getting the National platform. Books authored on Art by him are highly valued and part of the art curriculum. Dr Navin Atal, President Chand Kumar Atal foundation (CKAF), discussed the historic significance and contributions of the teacher Student duo; Sh. Sansar Chand Sharma and Sh. O. P. Sharma Sarathi, in the field of art and literature. In 2008, Dr Chand Kumar Atal and IGNCA, Delhi, jointly organized an exhibition and seminar dedicated to Master Sansar Chand , the very first event on the artist to be held outside the J&K state. Sh. Chashool Mahaldar, Creative Director, talked about the contribution of Late Sh. Bashir Shora in Sculpture and his passion for art, which kept him dabbling in other mediums too like canvas paintings & water colour. His bold strokes were admired by many art lovers & art critics across India. Even being financially weak he managed to do some solo shows at Jehangir Art Gallery & many in Delhi apart from J&K. He could have contributed more towards his passion for art but unfortunately the cruel hands of death snatched him at a very early age. Sh. Sumanta Sarathi Sharma, delivered the vote of thanks.
