Time for separate cultural academies for Kashmir, Jammu: Waheed Jeelani

Srinagar, Jan 22: Eminent artist, cultural activist and Chairman, The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar, Waheed Jeelani has urged the government to create a separate cultural academy for Kashmir, to be headed by an officer with deep understanding of art, culture and the region’s living heritage.

In a statement, he said that Jammu & Kashmir already follows a dual administrative structure in key departments such as tourism, school education and several others, with separate heads for Jammu and Kashmir. In the same spirit, the cultural sector too deserves a structure that respects regional sensitivities, diversity and ground realities. Culture is not a routine administrative subject; it demands insight, empathy and intimate knowledge of local traditions, he added.

Waheed Jeelani emphasised that the time has come to think decisively and establish separate Cultural Academies for Kashmir and Jammu, so that artists, scholars and cultural stakeholders of both regions receive fair representation, focused attention and meaningful support.