Jammu :Eminent theatre director Balwant Thakur who has been the former Secretary J&K Academy of Art Culture & Languages and Regional Director of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, J&K pleaded here today for the financial assistance to the community of artists who are in indigent circumstances. Forwarding his request to the Honorable Lt. Governor of UT of J&K, Girish Chandra Murmu from Johannesburg, South Africa where he is posted as Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre , Balwant Thakur submitted that artists, particularly the performing artists who have no other source of income are in a very bad shape due to the spread of COVID-19 followed by continued lock down. Their livelihood depends on the small cultural assignments offered by various cultural organizations and agencies including J&K Academy of Art Culture and languages, Song and Drama Division, Zonal Cultural Centres, Doordarshan and Radio. Being a nominee of Government of J&K to the General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, he has already taken-up the matter with the authorities of National Academy of Music and Drama to find out means and ways to support the community of performing artists in a dignified manner. Though the devastation of COVID-19 has disturbed the entire economics of the country but the community of performing artists has been severely affected. He particularly referred to the traditional performers of both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions who totally rely on the artistic assignments. Community of artists is so sensitive that they will shy away from seeking assistance and will continue to suffer in these hours of crises.
Balwant Thakur further suggested that a designated Government agency be assigned to identify such artists who are in urgent need of financial assistance and support for survival. While making the selection of artists for help and support, care should be taken that a larger body of senior people from the community be involved to ensure fairness and transparency in distribution. The selection list should not limit to the performers but should also include technicians, anchors, and other off-stage workers. In these difficult hours, the artists in other countries are being supported by their respective governments. He expressed not only his confidence but full faith that Honorable Lt. Governor will honor his plea.
