Need for capacity building, upskilling of artists: KU VC

Srinagar, Mar 12:  To provide a deeper understanding of vocal music by exploring various aspects of music education, from ancient Gurukul systems to modern classrooms, the Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA), Kashmir University (KU), Monday inaugurated a workshop here.

Participants, including faculty members, students and experts, will engage in interactive sessions, discussions and live performances during the 3-day workshop, titled ‘Sangeet Sadhana: Unveiling the Melodic Universe’.

On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, who officially inaugurated the workshop, emphasised the importance of music education in shaping individuals.

She stressed the need for capacity building and upskilling of artists to ensure that they are empowered, self-reliant and self-employed.

“The subject itself has a great potential to intervene into drug deaddiction. Come up with innovative ideas and themes to keep youth especially, the students on campus, engaged with different creative activities,” Prof Khan said.

In her welcome address, Principal, IMFA, KU, Prof Rubi Zutshi, highlighted the significance of the workshop in encouraging analytical and critical skills among students to interpret the nuances of vocal music.

In a pre-inaugural interaction, renowned vocalist and academic, Dr Jasmeet Kaur, emphasised the importance of music in academic and personal life.

She said, “We tend to get swayed away by the rush of music but we need to tap in the possibilities music can provide. We can explore career opportunities like music journalism, music therapy and art educators.”

Dr Kaur will serve as the resource person and trainer during the workshop days.