Srinagar, June 26: The Governor, N N Vohra on Saturday inaugurated a 10-day Kashmir Comedy Theatre Festival at SKICC here and expressed hope that the event would mark the beginning obf a new phase which would witness the restoration of art, heritage and traditions, besides giving opportunities to talented youth to participate in artistic performances.
The Festival is being organized by the Jammu Kashmir Film Makers And Artists Cooperative Ltd (JKFMAC) with a view to revive and promote rich cultural heritage of the State. First Lady, Usha Vohra, was also present.
Governor, who was the chief guest, said observed that the people of the State have had more than their share of tears over the past years and hoped that these presentations would bring back smiles on their faces. He emphasized the need for working on sustained basis to bring joy and prosperity to the people of the State.
Wishing JKFMAC success in their initiative to document, preserve and propagate the glorious composite cultural heritage of the State, he expressed happiness that the Cooperative was also organizing a Sufi Cultural Festival shortly and assured to support such laudable initiatives.       
Vohra also released a book, “Theatre Akh Tarruf”, written by veteran theaterist, Additional Director General, Doordarshan, Ashok Jailkhani.
Deputy Director General, Doordarshan, Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, congratulated the organizers for taking the initiative. 
The Director Information, Kh. Farooq Renzushah, dwelt on the glorious history of Kashmir as a seat of knowledge, learning, art, culture and wisdom and stressed the need for restoring its glory.
Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Jammu Kashmir Film Makers And Artists Cooperative Ltd, Shabbir Hyder, spoke about the activities of his organization and the aims and objects of holding the Theatre Festival. He said that a similar theatre festival would be organized at Jammu later this year while a Sufi Cultural Festival will be organized in Srinagar in August.
Former Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice (Retd) B A Khan, Prof. Rehman Rahi,  Pran Kishore  and Ayash Arif were also present.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 26 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST