New Delhi: It is said that the language of a community becomes the tool for transmitting culture from one generation to the next, and history has been a witness that when a language is lost, culture and heritage are also largely lost.
In such a scenario, the new and younger thn fails to experience their culture, or express themselves, thus threatening the collective existence of community.
The challenge before the Koshur (Kashmiri) community in particular is that they are facing a race against time as each day the Kashmiri-speaking population is diminishing and appears to heading on the path of near extinction.
To arrest this alarming possibility, community leaders recently organised “Gaashtarukh”, an event that was aimed at attracting support for preserving Kashmiri culture and rejuvenating the language of Koshur under the aegis of the Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch.
The sixth edition of Gaashtaruk, a talent hunt programme of displaced Kashmiri Hindu kids, showcased their talent in singing, dancing, instrumental and Kashmiri speaking. It was held at the Satya Sai Auditorium in New Delhi.
Selection of participants for the finale was the result of an over three-month-long search and exposure of talent within the community.
Auditions were held in Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Dehradun. A group of 94 young boys and girls was shortlisted out of 178 children who had participated in auditions in various domains. Among the 94 kids 35 kids were selected for the finals held on January 7.
Leading Kashmiri artists Rajinder Kachroo, Dileep Langoo and Anesh Koul, and Mr. Raman from the Dance India Foundation were the judges for the event. They congratulated JKVM for organising Gaashtarukh. They urged young contestants to pursue their art consistently.
Priya Sethi, Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture, Tourism, Department of Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, was the chief guest.
She encouraged Team JKVM to carry forward the legacy of Kashmiri culture and language. She gave away the awards to the winners of Gaashtarukh-VI.
Sanjay Ganjoo, President of the JKVM, delivered the welcome address. He said JKVM has relentlessly worked for the preservation of culture and language and was confident it would continue to do so in the future as well.
Gaahtarukh-VI winners:
Singing Juniors. (6yrs to 12 yrs.)
Gashtarukh Signing Winner junior……..Chhavi Koul (7 yr old from Jammu)
1st Runner up………………………………….Sanvi Kakroo (8 yrs Old from Faridabad)
2nd Runner up…………………………………Veronica Bhat (10 yrs from Noida).
Singing winners Seniors: (13 yrs to 18 years)
Gashtarukh Singing Winner Senior…… Simran Kaul (15 yrs from Ghaziabad)
1st Runner up…………………………………Vitasta Tiku (15 yrs old from Dwarka Delhi)
2nd Runner up………………………………..Radhika Koul (16 yrs old from Delhi)
Instrumental Junior (6yrs to 13 yrs.)
Gaashtarukh Winner……………………….Ritvik Kaul (12 yrs old from Ghaziabad)
Ist runner up…………………………………..Anish Raina (11 yrs old from Jain Nagar Delhi)
Instrumental winners Seniors: (13 yrs to 18 years)
Gaashtarukh Winner………………………..Arshia Razdan (13 yrs old from Ghaziabad)
Ist runner up……………………………………Vinayak Raina (14 yrs old from Noida)
Dancing Junior Category. (6yrs to 12 yrs.)
Gaashtarukh Winner in Dancing Junior…..Chhavi Koul (10 yrs old from Ghaziabad)
Ist runner-up……………………………………..Lavanya Bhat (8 yrs old from Rohini, Delhi)
2nd runner up…………………………………..KInjal Safaya (11 yrs old from Ghaziabad)
Dancing senior Category (13 yrs to 18 years)
Gashtarukh Winner in Dancing Senior………..Nishtha Raina (13 yrs old from Delhi)
The “Super Gaashtarukh” award was given to Vanshika Bhat for training kids and helping them gear up for the event. Four consolation prizes were given to Daksh Bhat, Himanshu Pandita, Krishna Bhat and Mahima Raina.
The entire community applauded the efforts of Sanjeev Gautam Raina for convening this program and guiding the kids at every stage.
Kuldeep Pandita, program coordinator Gaashtarukh-VI, proposed the vote of thanks. (ANI)