KATHUA: Kathua district achieved a remarkable feat in the Divisional Level Kala Utsav Competition held at Government Higher Secondary School (Boys), Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, from November 12 to 14, 2024.
The district bagged two first positions and one third position in six categories, earning accolades from Director of School Education Jammu, Ashok Kumar Sharma, who presented the awards.
Under Storytelling category, Jatin and Sorav from HSS Nagri Parole (Zone Kathua) clinched the first position whereas in Visual Arts category, Shivanshi from Convent School (Zone Kathua) secured the first position with her painting on the theme Viksit Bharat – Vision at 2047.
Besides, in the Theatre category, the team from HSS Nagri Parole, comprising Summit, Vaishno Devi, Bindra Vansh, Babloo Devi and Lukesh, won the third position.
The competition saw the participation of ten districts from the Jammu Division, with Kathua District showcasing exemplary talent across all six categories: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Storytelling, and Dance.
Teams from Zones of Bani, Malhar, Lakhanpur and Kathua participated enthusiastically, displaying their creativity and dedication.
The tribal dance of the Gaddi tribe, performed by students of HS Panyalag Bani under the guidance of renowned artist PEM Sudesh Fogan and ZICC Bani Narinder Kumar, captivated the audience.
The Instrumental Orchestra by students of HSS Badnota Malhar, mentored by Sr. Lecturer Ashok Kumar and ZICC Makhan Singh, also won hearts.
The Karka performance by APS Janglot, led by ZICC Chanchal Raina, was another highlight of the event.
Guest of Honour, Padma Shri Romalo Ram and the jury members praised the participants, particularly the storytelling and theatre teams from HSS Nagri Parole, and the artistic brilliance of Shivanshi’s painting.
Chief Education Officer Kathua, Mangat Ram Sharma, along with Deputy CEO Chaman Lal and DEPO Karamjeet Singh, congratulated the winners, their mentors and the Heads of Institutions for their exceptional efforts.
Special recognition was given to Monika Khosla (DICC), who applauded the hard work of ZICCs in identifying and nurturing hidden talents. Rishi Tangri, ZICC of Zone Kathua, received particular appreciation for her extraordinary efforts that contributed to this outstanding achievement.
The winners will now prepare to represent the district in the UT-level Kala Utsav Competition, carrying forward the spirit of excellence and cultural richness.
