Srinagar, Nov 14 (JKNS): The first-ever AAWAAZ – The Collective Voice of Artists, a landmark convention organised in Srinagar, brought together eminent artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, actors, theatre personalities and cultural practitioners to deliberate on the challenges confronting the artistic fraternity and the future of Jammu & Kashmir’s creative industries.
Delegates from different parts of the country, including Delhi and Jammu, participated in the convention, reflecting the wider significance of this collective initiative.
The convention opened with the release of a special tribute song titled “AAWAAZ”, dedicated to prominent departed artists, writers and musicians of Jammu & Kashmir. The deeply moving presentation left the audience visibly emotional, with many attendees in tears.
This was followed by an inaugural address by renowned artist and Chairman of The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar, Waheed Jeelani, who emphasised the need for unity, dignity and collective action for the artistic community. Veteran cultural personality, writer and theatre practitioner Mohammad Amin Bhat subsequently outlined the vision and objectives behind the convention.
The first technical session, titled “Artists in Crisis: Who Will Take the Responsibility?”, was moderated by television anchor Qazi Mohammad Ammar. Panellists included Mehmeet Syed, Mushtaq Ali Ahmad Khan, Zameer Ashai, Shahid Lateef and Gulzar Ahmad Ganai. The session was chaired by Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister, who described artists as the real custodians of our language, art and culture and assured the fraternity of every possible support.
The second session, “From Kashmir to the World: Building Our Own Creative Industry”, moderated by actor, director and producer Umar Imtiyaz, featured Kapil Mattoo, Mir Sarwar, Ayash Arif and Shafqat Habib. Chaired by Jenab Waheed ur Rahman Para, MLA Pulwama, the discussion highlighted the need to accord industrial status to the creative sector to unlock its economic potential and generate wider opportunities for artists and creative professionals. Rouf Tramboo, Shahzadi Simon, Mushtaq Bala and Hussain Khan also shared valuable observations.
The third session, “Our Language, Our Identity, Our Culture”, moderated by veteran cultural personality Mohammad Amin Bhat, featured Naseem Shifai, Rukhsana Jabeen, Bashir Aarif and Dr. Shaista Ahmad. Chaired by Farooq Ahmad Shah, MLA Gulmarg, the session focused on safeguarding regional languages, cultural identity and traditional art forms. The Chair appreciated the initiative and extended his support for similar endeavours in the future. Ashiq Peerzada, Naseer Ganai and Bhawani Bashir also contributed their observations.
The concluding session witnessed the presentation and unanimous adoption of a comprehensive Collective Resolution-cum-Declaration, incorporating key recommendations on artists’ welfare, institutional accountability, development of the creative industry, cultural preservation and equitable opportunities for local talent.
Prominent personalities, including Shehzad Rasool, Showkat Shafi and Talha Jahangir, along with other participants, shared their views on the deliberations and future course of action.
A significant outcome was the unanimous proposal to constitute a representative Core Group of the artistic fraternity to pursue the issues raised at the convention and engage with the Government and concerned institutions for meaningful policy interventions and their implementation.
In his concluding remarks, Waheed Jeelani presented a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the participation and contributions of all delegates, chairpersons, moderators, panellists, observers and guests.
The organisers stated that AAWAAZ is envisioned not as a one-day event but as a sustained collective platform for the dignity, welfare, rights and future of artists. The convention reaffirmed that preserving art, language and culture is a shared responsibility of the Government, institutions and society.
The convention was organised by The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar in collaboration with Good Morning Kashmir, the daily newspaper. The entire artistic fraternity expressed its sincere gratitude to Mr. Javaid Ahmad Shah, Editor-in-Chief of Good Morning Kashmir, for his unconditional support, encouragement and valuable contribution towards making this initiative possible. (JKNS)
**AAWAAZ – THE COLLECTIVE VOICE OF ARTISTS**
Let Our Voice Be Heard. Let Our Art Be Respected. Let Our Culture Live.
**ORGANISED BY**
The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar
**IN COLLABORATION WITH**
Good Morning Kashmir – The Daily Newspaper
**SUPPORTED BY**
Cemtac Cements
Kanwal Foods
Lone Star Football Academy
Qaraar Studio Kashmir
**MEDIA CONTACT**
The Kashmir Music Club Srinagar
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
