Minister for Sheep and Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli inaugurated a two day Gojri Folk Music Festival in the campus of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust here today. The festival is being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust. While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kohli lauded the role of the Academy for its efforts to promote and preserve Gojri language and culture in all aspects. He said that concerted efforts are needed to preserve the regional languages and culture, adding that young and budding writers, poets and artists should be provided conducive environment to nurture their talent. The Minister said that every community or ethnic group has its own values, beliefs and culture which should be preserved for the future generations. Mr. Kohli further added that Gojri is the one of the ancient languages of this region and it has a rich treasure which needs to be highlighted. While appreciating the role of Cultural Academy, the Minister said that the Academy provides a platform to artists and helps to unite the diverse ethnic groups through the medium of art. While speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman, Gojri Advisory Board, Chaudhary Zaffar Ali Khatana said that the Academy is putting all efforts to promote the various languages including Gojri. Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Dr. Aziz Hajini also addressed the gathering and said that the festival will provide opportunity to the artists of the State who have come from the various districts of the State to present the Gojri folk and traditions. Patron of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, Masood Choudhray and Chairman of the Trust, Ali Hussain Hakla also spoke on the occasion and gave an over view the history, culture, literature and traditions of the Gurjars. The folk parties who presented the cultural programmes including Begum Jan and Party, Bashir Mastana, Norror Nisar Feroz Din, Ayaz Ahmed Saif, Mohammad Rafi, Yusuf Armaan, Allah Rakha and others. Prominent among others who attended the programme include Additional Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Dr. Arvinder Singh, Hamid Choudhary, Haroon Rashid, Alla Rakha, Farooq Ahmed, staff and students of K.B. Memorial Public School.
