Vyath Showcased the young talent
‘Vyath’
The word “Vyath,” which Kashmiris use for the river that drains the entire Kashmir Valley, is a direct translation of the river’s ancient Sanskrit name, “Vitasta.” Taking the shelter under its majestic name ‘Vyath’, a music opera in Kashmiri language sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Government of India under the scheme CFPGS in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Bank was performed by a theatrical group at Buzgoo Nilnag Chadoora Budgam by Young Dramatists Society that was established in 1976 with the objective to promote Kashmiri Art and Culture. The opera was conceptualized by a reputed Theatre artist Mr. Altaf Hussain and well-coordinated by Zahoor Ahmad Rather and his dynamic team of Sufiyana music group viz; Alamdar Sufiyana Theatre. The objective of the programme was to evoke a sense of responsibility and cultural and historical values of river Jhelum which originates at Verinag and flows through Jammu and Kashmir, to the Pakistani-administered territory of Kashmir, and then into the Pakistani province of Punjab. Of the five rivers in the Punjab region, this one travels through the Kashmir Valley and is the furthest to the west. It is a tributary of the Chenab River and measures around 725 kilometers (450 miles) in length overall. The group presented a brilliant show that not only mesmerized the audience but also refreshed the memories of the yore.
The programme was developed in accordance with instructions from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to include young artists in performances supported by a musical element and the narrative portion. To encourage the pupils to explore the magnificent past and learn from its lessons, all the elements outlined in the instructions were adhered to in letter and spirit. Experts on the topic gave a presentation on the same, adding elegance to the event. The directives further instructed that the programme was to be presented in any school and in the backdrop of the programme the history of the Vyath must be highlighted followed by a workshop to train the aspirants. Every instruction was strictly followed for better yield. We involved the scholars to read the papers regarding the history of the Vyath. The progamme was inaugurated by the headmaster at 11 am of the concerned school followed by a Sufiyana song was presented in the light of Vyath presented by young artists, it was followed by a drama elements to highlight the richness of the river and the deteriorating conditions of the current Vyath. It was followed by narration to depict the exploitation of man leading to worsening of Vyath. Another Sufiyana song was presented and finally a narrative as an awareness was presented by young talented artists that sensitized the audience. It was followed by a blend of musical instruments.
This programme was presented on the eve of Ghandhi Jyanti. The students of the aforesaid school were drawn in for the reason that such programme was for the first time staged at their school and this invoked a sense of responsibility among the aspirants. This programme was an eye opener for those who till date were living in ignorance and our efforts have produced a ripple to shake their minds to show concern towards the deteriorated conditions of this historical river.
When it came to including young, brilliant artists, the initiative was a huge success. The programme not only drew in the audience and students’ attention, but it also assisted us in advancing the objectives of the Ministry of Culture’s policy makers. The children at the aforementioned school expressed great interest and were happy to see such a cultural performance. Everyone encouraged and praised the majority of the young artists for exhibiting their skill, which had been honed in the workshops and training sessions by the professionals. Our efforts to project such culturally and historically significant elements were applauded by sponsors and school officials.
