Doda, October 29, 2025 – In a vibrant send-off ceremony brimming with enthusiasm and cultural fervour, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh, IAS flagged off a contingent of 29 talented students from the District Administration Complex, Doda, as they embark on their journey to represent the district at the Divisional Level Kala Utsav 2025. The event, a key initiative under the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) and Samagra Shiksha J&K, underscores the administration’s commitment to nurturing art, culture, and creativity among the youth, fostering a generation of confident performers and cultural ambassadors.The selected students, emerging victors from the recently concluded District Level Kala Utsav 2025 held on September 29 at Doda Town Hall, showcased exceptional skills across various categories including vocal music, instrumental performances, folk dances, visual arts, and traditional crafts. Over 170 budding artists from 10 educational zones participated in the district event, which was inaugurated by DC Harvinder Singh himself. The competition highlighted the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, blending classical Indian arts with local Pahari and Dogri traditions, creating a tapestry of performances that captivated audiences and dignitaries alike.DC Harvinder Singh, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the transformative role of such platforms in youth development. “Kala Utsav is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of our diverse cultural mosaic and a launchpad for hidden talents,” he stated. “These young artists from Doda are not just performers but torchbearers of our age-old traditions, carrying forward the spirit of creativity to the divisional stage in Jammu.” He urged the students to embrace the opportunity with zeal, drawing inspiration from the district’s storied legacy in folk arts and handicrafts.
Empowering Youth Through Cultural Expression
Organised annually as part of the National Kala Utsav under the Ministry of Education, the program aims to promote performing, visual, and literary arts in schools, encouraging holistic education beyond academics. In J&K, Samagra Shiksha integrates these events to build inclusivity, with a special focus on rural and underprivileged students. The divisional level, set to unfold in the coming weeks, will see participants from across the Jammu division vie for spots at the national finale, where winners represent India on global stages.The flag-off ceremony was graced by officials from the Education Department, including the District Education Planning Officer (DEPO), and representatives from ICDS and PRIs. Programme Officer ICDS, Akhter Hussain Qazi, who served as Guest of Honour at the district event, lauded the initiative for its role in boosting self-confidence and community pride among the youth. Parents and teachers present echoed the sentiment, viewing the platform as a vital step toward preserving #YouthTalent in an era of digital distractions.This year’s edition builds on the success of previous years, where Doda students have shone in categories like Bharatanatyam, Sufi singing, and Phulkari embroidery. With enhanced support from the district administration—including travel stipends and mentoring sessions—the young contingent is poised for a stellar showing, potentially elevating Doda’s profile in the national cultural circuit.As J&K continues to harness initiatives like Kala Utsav for social cohesion and skill-building, events such as this flag-off not only ignite passion for arts but also pave the way for future opportunities in cultural tourism and creative industries.For more on Kala Utsav 2025 schedules and student registrations, visit the official Samagra Shiksha J&Kportal.
