Chinar Corps organized annual Chillai Kalan Festival on 15 Dec 2021 at the Batpura sports stadium, Shopian. This year was dedicated to the memory of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and others we lost in the accident on 08th Dec 21. The much anticipated event, which coincides with the ongoing nationwide celebrations of the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’, was well received and witnessed a swelling crowd of more than 2000 locals from Shopian & Pulwama districts.
The program had an ode being paid to the departed CDS. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow clad peaks of Pir Panjal, Shopian town welcomed the onset of winters – Chillai Kalan with mesmerising music and cultural programmes. As part of the festival, an online music competition ‘Singing Sensation’ was conducted over the past two weeks. The competition witnessed overwhelming participation of youth from South Kashmir, with five finalists vying for the top spot on the final day. The judges chose Mr Md Saleem as the winner of the coveted competition. He has been extended a once in a lifetime opportunity to release a song under the label of Warner Music. The event also witnessed release of a book ‘Eternal Soul’, written by Master Syed Faizan Geelani, a student of AGPS, Pahalgam. A short movie ‘Good Shot’ which captures boundless human emotions and is produced Balan Productions. Mr Punit Balan was present for the screening of the movie during the event. The movie touched an emotional chord with the audience.
The program also showcased a motivating short film on the Kashmiri veterans of 1971 war. It brought back memories of the war that changed history in the sub-continent.
Speaking at the event, Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps dedicated this year’s festival to the memory of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and 12 other brave soldiers and countrymen whom the nation recently lost in a tragedy. He complimented the whole hearted participation of youth, women and elderly in the event. He appealed to youth to continue striving for an educated Kashmiri society and contribute in bringing development and peace to the region. The GOC reiterated that to effectively break the cycle of violence, the society has to address these White-collared terrorists, who influence and corrupt young impressionable minds of our youth and instigate youth to pick up arms. He cited the eg of Mehran Yasin Shalla, 17 years, who had killed the school Principal at a Govt School at Srinagar. He also appealed to mothers to keep track of their wards, since the pain of losing a child is unendurable, that only a mother can understand.
The GOC added that the winds of change can be felt in South Kashmir and it was heartening to see a cultural festival organized in the heart of Shopian. The GOC reiterated security forces commitment to provide the artists with numerous platforms to showcase their abundant talent.
