JAMMU: J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma (CA) strongly highlighted the need to preserve, promote and financially support the rich musical heritage of Jammu & Kashmir in the Rajya Sabha.
Sat Sharma focused on safeguarding traditional art forms, strengthening support for veteran artists and young learners, and using the region's cultural heritage to boost tourism and employment.
Seeking details from the Union Ministry of Culture, Sat Sharma questioned the steps taken by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to preserve and catalogue renowned Kashmiri musical traditions such as Sufiana Mousiqi, Chakri, Wanvun and Rouf under the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also sought information on the financial assistance and monthly stipends being provided to veteran masters and youth disciples under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme, besides asking about measures to integrate Jammu & Kashmir's folk and classical music into major national cultural festivals for promoting heritage-based tourism.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on behalf of the Ministry, informed the House that the Sangeet Natak Akademi has undertaken several initiatives to preserve and promote the musical and performing traditions of Jammu & Kashmir through documentation, cultural festivals, fellowships, awards and other programmes under the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The reply further stated that Rouf and Kud Folk Dance training programmes have been started under the Kala Deeksha (Guru-Shishya Parampara) initiative from 2024-25, under which Gurus receive a monthly fee of ₹8,000, Sahayak Gurus ₹6,000 as honorarium, and Shishyas ₹2,500 as stipend.
The Government also informed that financial assistance under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir amounted to ₹3.37 lakh in 2023-24, ₹3.87 lakh in 2024-25, and ₹2.74 lakh in 2025-26, reflecting continued support for traditional artists and emerging talent.
The Ministry further stated that artists from Jammu & Kashmir have been receiving national platforms through prestigious festivals such as Desaj, Lok Jan Pratha Utsav, Lok Sangam, Lok Pratibha, Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Chandigarh National Crafts Mela and International Gita Mahotsav, besides special events organized in Jammu & Kashmir featuring local folk music and dance. These initiatives help preserve centuries-old traditions while expanding cultural tourism and creating greater livelihood opportunities for artists.
Sat Sharma said that Jammu & Kashmir's cultural heritage is one of its greatest strengths and preserving its unique musical traditions is essential for protecting the region's identity while creating opportunities for artists, youth and the tourism sector. He emphasized that sustained promotion of traditional music on national platforms not only safeguards priceless cultural heritage but also contributes to employment generation, cultural exchange and economic growth by attracting visitors interested in the region's rich artistic legacy.
