Kathua excelled with two first positions and one third position in the divisional level art festival competition.

Kathua 18 November (Hindus). Kathua district achieved a remarkable achievement in the Divisional Level Art Festival Competition held at Government Higher Secondary School (Boys) Gandhi Nagar Jammu from 12 to 14 November 2024. In which the district secured two first positions and one third position in six categories. Director of School Education Jammu Ashok Kumar Sharma presented the awards.

Under the Storytelling category, Jatin and Sorav from HSS Nagari Parole Zone Kathua won the first position, while in the Visual Arts category, Shivanshi from Convent School Zone Kathua won the first position with her painting on the theme Developed India Vision in 2047. Apart from this, in the theater category, the team of HSS Nagari Parole consisting of Samit, Vaishno Devi, Bindra Vansh, Bablu Devi and Lukesh secured the third position. The competition saw participation from ten districts of Jammu division, with Kathua district displaying exemplary talent in all the six categories. Which included vocal music, instrumental music, theatre, visual arts, storytelling and dance. Teams from Zone Bani, Malhar, Lakhanpur and Kathua participated with enthusiasm, showcasing their creativity and dedication. The tribal dance of Gaddi tribe performed by the students of HS Panyalag Bani under the guidance of renowned artist PEM Sudesh Phogan and ZICC Bani Narinder Kumar enthralled the audience.

The instrumental orchestra of the students of HSS Badnota Malhar under the guidance of senior lecturer Ashok Kumar and ZICC Makhan Singh also won hearts. Karka performance by APS Janglot under the leadership of ZICC Chanchal Raina was another highlight of the event. Guest of honor Padmashree Romalo Ram and the jury members praised the artistic talent of the participants, especially the story and theater teams of HSS Nagari Parole and Shivanshi’s painting. It is a matter of pride for Kathua district to get two first positions and one third position in this tough competition. Chief Education Officer Kathua Mangat Ram Sharma, along with Deputy CEO Chaman Lal and DEPO Karamjeet Singh, congratulated the winners, their mentors and heads of institutions for their extraordinary efforts. Special recognition was given to Monica Khosla (DICC), who appreciated the hard work of ZDICC in identifying and nurturing hidden talents. ZICC Rishi Tangri of Zone Kathua received special appreciation for his extraordinary efforts which contributed to this outstanding achievement. The winners will now prepare to represent the district in the UT-level art festival competition, carrying forward the spirit of excellence and cultural richness.