Convener News Desk
Bandipora–The year-long cultural education initiative ‘Pholwen Toer’ (Blooming Buds) concluded with a grand exhibition and cultural showcase at the International Educational Institute, Bonakoot, district Bandipora. Designed to instill cultural pride and heritage awareness among young learners, the project highlighted the artistic journeys of students through storytelling, traditional crafts and performance art.
Conceived and led by project coordinators Prof. Syeda Afshana and Dr. Heeba Din, ‘Pholwen Toer’ was supported by the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) under its Arts Education programme. Over the past year, it brought together experts, educators and artists to help children rediscover Kashmir’s intangible heritage through participatory learning.
The final showcase featured Papier Mâché artwork handcrafted by students under the mentorship of traditional master artisans Showkat Ahmad Khan and Mohd. Ashraf Wani, along with creative installations, posters and student-written reflections. A special segment on Bhaand Pather, Kashmir’s folk theatre, was performed by students under the direction of theatre artist Bilal Baghat.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Syeda Afshana said, “These children are not just learning about heritage. They are living it, shaping it and becoming its torchbearers for tomorrow.”
Throughout the year, the initiative hosted memorable sessions with cultural voices such as Zareef Ahmad Zareef, celebrated historian and storyteller; Faruq Masoodi, artist and educator, who encouraged expression in native tongues like Shina and Kashmiri; and Prof. Mushtaq A. Siddiqi, academician and former Vice Chancellor of IUST, who appreciated the project’s focus on grassroots cultural revival. Another highlight was the Oral History Workshop series led by Javaid Jawad, award-winning Headmaster of Government Middle School, Ongam, which helped students connect deeply with Bandipora’s land, history and legacy.
Special thanks were extended to Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Malik, Principal of the International Educational Institute and staff, whose support and collaboration provided a nurturing environment for children’s cultural engagement.
The project’s success was powered by a dedicated team of assistants and volunteers Uzma Manzoor, Suheel Nissar and Ausaf ur Rehman, who coordinated activities, mentored students and ensured the program’s smooth journey from start to finish.
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