Satish Sharma highlights cinema’s role in preserving Kashmiri culture in Jammu

Jammu, Feb 4: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, Wednesday lauded the efforts of local filmmakers and cultural practitioners for promoting the Kashmiri language, traditions and lived realities through cinema at Batt Koch, a special cinematic gathering held at Movie Time Cinema (Indra Theatre), Jammu.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister, as per an official statement, said that regional cinema plays a vital role in preserving the cultural identity and passing on the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir to future generations. He emphasized that initiatives like Batt Koch provide an important platform for showcasing authentic Kashmiri narratives rooted in the region’s history, emotions, and social fabric.

Satish Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment towards supporting youth, artists and creative professionals, noting that cinema and digital storytelling hold immense potential in empowering young talent and strengthening cultural expression. He added that the integration of technology with creative industries can further amplify local voices and take regional stories to wider audiences.

The event was also attended by eminent dignitaries including  DIG Jammu–Samba–Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Arvind Karvani,, Former Judge, Human Rights Commission J&K, Chander Mohan Sharma,  prominent artists and intellectuals.

Through Batt Koch, the organizers aim to revive the pride in Kashmiri cinema and reinforce its role as a powerful medium for cultural preservation and meaningful social dialogue.