Srinagar, Nov 12 (KNS): Five stage plays were performed at a one-day theatre festival organised by the Abdul Ahad Azad Chair of Cluster University Srinagar in collaboration with the Young Dramatists Society and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Amar Singh College, Srinagar.

The festival brought together theatre artists, academicians, students and literary personalities to highlight the role of performing arts in preserving Kashmir's cultural traditions and encouraging young people to engage with theatre.

Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mohammed Mubin, inaugurated the festival and appreciated the efforts of the Abdul Ahad Azad Chair in promoting art, literature and cultural activities.

Addressing the gathering, he said the university would extend support to initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural and literary engagement among students.

During the programme, Controller of Examinations Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir proposed exploring a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Young Dramatists Society for introducing skill-based courses in theatre and performing arts.

He said such courses could provide students with practical training and opportunities to develop professional skills in the field.

Registrar Prof. Willayat Hussain Rizwi appreciated the initiative and said cultural programmes offered students opportunities to engage with literature, theatre and creative expression beyond conventional classroom learning.

Principal Amar Singh College, Prof. Tehmeena Yousuf, stressed the need to reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots, saying educational institutions had an important role in preserving indigenous traditions, language and cultural identity.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Earlier, Coordinator of the Abdul Ahad Azad Chair, Dr. Shaista Ahmad, outlined the objectives and activities of the Chair, highlighting theatre as a medium of artistic expression, social communication and cultural preservation.

She said platforms involving students and theatre practitioners could help young artists develop their creative abilities while gaining a better understanding of their literary and cultural heritage.

The festival featured five theatrical performances, providing a platform for artists to present their work before students, faculty members and members of the cultural fraternity.

The occasion also witnessed the release of "Unwaan", a poetry collection, by Ali Imran.

Among those present were Young Dramatists Society President Mushtaq Baqal, Vice-President Javid Jeelani, Adbi Markaz Kamraz President Mohammad Amin Bhat, Altaf Hussain, Shabir Mujahid, Himayun Qaiser and Nissar Naseem, besides university officials, faculty members and theatre practitioners.

The proceedings were conducted by broadcaster Rashid Nizami, while Altaf Hussain presented the vote of thanks.

The organisers said the festival was intended to encourage interaction between educational institutions and cultural organisations while carrying forward the literary and cultural legacy of Kashmiri poet Abdul Ahad Azad. (KNS)