Waheed Jeelani
It is deeply painful and heartbreaking to witness the manner in which artists of Jammu & Kashmir are being treated. The immense neglect, indifference and coldness of the establishment towards our artists and cultural community have pushed those who preserve our heritage and identity into utter frustration and despair.
It is particularly unfortunate that there was hardly any representation of the rich art and culture of J&K in the main function of the “First International Film Festival of J&K”. Even more shameful was the treatment meted out to our local artists. While artists from outside were accorded a red-carpet welcome, our own artists were reportedly made to wait at the entrance and even sit on the floor. This is not merely an organisational lapse; it is an insult to the dignity of our artists and to the culture they represent.
I, on behalf of the entire artistic community, strongly and unequivocally condemn this discriminatory and humiliating attitude. Artists are not merely performers for government functions; they are the custodians of our history, languages, literature, music, traditions, folklore and collective identity. Art and culture are not decorative additions to society – they are the very soul of a civilization.
How can we expect our rich cultural heritage to survive when those who preserve it are treated with such disregard and humiliation?
I appeal to the highest authorities of the Government of J&K to immediately take cognisance of the matter and ensure that such incidents are never repeated. Our artists do not seek favours or privileges. They seek dignity, recognition, equal treatment and the rightful place they deserve in the cultural life of Jammu & Kashmir.
If we do not respect our artists, we cannot claim to respect our culture.
