Jammu, Dec 06: Suresh Kumar Gupta (IFS), Principal Secretary, School Education Department, on Friday said that empowering students through art and culture is the key priority of the school education department. He was speaking during the concluding ceremony of UT level Kala Utsav 2024. Amid spectacular performances, the UT level Kala Utsav 2024 concluded today at the Convention Centre, Jammu, where Suresh Kumar Gupta (IFS), Principal Secretary, School Education Department, was the Chief Guest. The event was attended by students and teachers from different areas of Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting the diverse cultural richness of the region.
Project Director, Samagra Shiksha highlighted the event as a remarkable platform for students to express their creativity, gain confidence, and embrace cultural diversity. The Project Director emphasized that integrating arts into education not only fosters inherent talent but also nurtures a balanced personality among students by promoting emotional, social, and intellectual growth. He informed that 12 group-item/solo-items have been selected at the divisional level. He expressed deep gratitude to the dedicated teachers, schools, and organizers for their unwavering commitment to making the event a grand success.
Suresh Kumar Gupta,in his address praised the students’ exceptional performances and emphasized the importance of integrating arts into formal education. He said that The Kala Utsav is an outstanding initiative that brings out the hidden artistic potential of students. It nurtures creativity and fosters a sense of unity through the cultural diversity of our region.” He also highlighted the efforts made to improve the potential of students participating in cultural events. He stated that NEP-2020 gives much importance to such cultural initiatives for holistic development of students.
Gupta acknowledged the pivotal role of teachers in identifying and encouraging young talent from every corner of the UT. He further underlined the importance of such initiatives in shaping students into well-rounded individuals who appreciate cultural heritage and artistic pursuits. He also stressed that Kala Utsav exemplifies the essence of inclusive education by ensuring that every student, irrespective of their background, has a chance to shine on a prestigious platform. He reiterated hope that the enthusiasm and dedication witnessed at this year’s event would serve as an inspiration for future editions. Samagra Shiksha remains committed to fostering programs that integrate arts into the education system, paving the way for a more culturally enriched academic environment, he maintained.
