To bring forth the socio-cultural and historical legacy of Vitasta, commonly known as River Jehlum, and its impact on the life and imagination of the people of Kashmir, a one day district level Inter-College Painting Competition was organized by Cultural Wing of Amar Singh College under the aegis of ‘Vitasta Festival’.
Principal, Amar Singh College, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir in his inaugural cum welcome address threw a detailed light on the relevance of the event and the historical role of the river Vitasta in supporting the life and civilization in Kashmir from prehistoric times to this day.
Prof. Ajaz also pointed out some practical concerns with regard to shrinking banks and lost beauty of river vitasta. He asserted that youth have an important role to play in the revival of lost beauty of Vitasta- the Jhelum.
At the outset, Prof Heena Amin, Convener Cultural Committee introduced the judges of the event, Masood Hussain, renowned Kashmiri Artist, Prof. Arshad Soleh artist and Professor, Department of Applied Arts, Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE), M.A. Road, Srinagar and Dr.Abdul Waheed Bhat, Head, Department of History, Amar Singh College, Srinagar, to the audience.
Principal of the host College, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir presented mementos to the judges as a token of regard and respect.
During the day-long competition, around 20 students from various colleges of district Srinagar participated in the event and described the River Vitasta on canvas through their artistic and imaginative power.
The participants were awarded with certificates. Arsalan Tawheed Khan from S.P College, Srinagar, Nida Masoodi from IASE, Srinagar and Gousia Farooq, from Amar Singh College, bagged the 1st three positions in the painting competition, respectively.
The winners are expected to participate in the forthcoming Inter-District Painting Competition.
Addressing the participants and the audience, renowned artist Masood Hussain shared his experiences and observations regarding the techniques employed by some participants in their work.
Prof. Arshad Soleh offered some technical insights on various aspects of fine arts while Dr. Abdul Waheed Bhat shared his opinion with regard to the historical background of art in the valley and offered some much-needed encouragement and advice to the participants with regard to the need of preserving it.
Prof. Ovais Ahmad, HoD Persian, acted as the Rapporteur for the programme.
