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JAMMU : Principal Secretary Culture and School Education, Suresh Kumar Gupta, today inaugurated a week long workshop on ‘Chhau’ at Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu. Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), Harvinder Kour, Chairperson of Governing Body, GCW Parade Ground, Professor Lalit Magotra, Nodal Principal, PSPS Government PG College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Dr. S.P. Sarswat, Principal GCW, Parade, Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo and Director Rangyug, Deepak Kumar also attended the event.
The workshop, being organised by the Skill Development Cell of GCW Parade and Rangyug in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, marks the beginning of a pioneering initiative aimed at enriching students’ understanding of India’s rich performing arts heritage. A total of 50 participants, including aspiring actors, dancers, and theatre enthusiasts from GCW Parade, GGM Science College, GDC Akhnoor, and other institutions across Jammu, will participate in the week-long workshop.
In his address, Suresh Kumar Gupta highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting traditional art forms like Chhau, which beautifully blend martial arts, dance, and folk theatre. He applauded the College's efforts to integrate cultural education into academic courses and introduce Theatre as a Skill Development course. He also commended the collaborative efforts of JKAACL and Rangyug for their significant role in bringing such initiatives to life and providing students with opportunities to engage deeply with traditional art forms.
He further emphasized the importance of such workshops in empowering students through both physical and mental growth. Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo, Principal of GCW Parade, highlighted that the workshop aims to empower students by enhancing physical strength, expressive abilities, and self-discipline. He emphasized that it offers women students an opportunity to develop theatre skills while connecting with India’s cultural heritage.
He expressed gratitude to Rangyug and JKAACL for their support. Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo added that the workshop, held from November 25 to December 01, introduces participants to the Chhau dance form, blending martial arts, dance, and self-defense techniques. The program is designed to enhance students' physical fitness, endurance, mental resilience, and self-confidence, while offering them the chance to engage deeply with this significant part of India’s cultural heritage.
In her welcome address, Dr. Alpana Vohra highlighted GCW Parade's initiative to integrate Chhau into its Skill-Based Course in Performing Arts, offering women students the opportunity to enhance their physical strength, expressive abilities, and confidence. She emphasized that Chhau prepares them for theatre roles while also teaching valuable skills like self-defense and physical coordination. She stated that the workshop reflects the College's commitment to skill-building and personal development, with the introduction of Theatre as a Skill Development course reinforcing its vision of fostering artistic excellence and empowering students through creative education.
Renowned and internationally acclaimed Classical Indian Drama Director Bhumikeshwar Singh and Chhau exponent and yoga teacher Raudri Singh are the resource persons of the workshop. On the occasion, a short play Watna Ve was also performed by the students of GCW Parade, which captivated the audience with its poignant storytelling and powerful performances.
Among others, prominent figures, including Suresh Kumar Sharma (Retd. Judge), Convener of SPIC-MACAY J&K Chapter; Ravinder Koul, Theatre Critic; Dr. Lalit Gupta, Art Historian; Ashish Sharma, Coordinator Rangyug as well as Prof. Anuradha Kalsi, Dr. Sukriti Sharma, Dr. Randheer Kaur, Dr. Mamta Sharma, Prof. Arti Devi, Prof. Neetu Bala, Dr. Sukhwinder Kour, Dr. Neetu Sharma, Dr. Amardeep Kour, Prof. Pooja Saroj, Prof. Qayoom Chouhan, Prof. Arif, Dr. Priya Dutta, Raj Kumar Behrupia, Vijay Goswami were present on the occasion.
