Jammu, 24 August: JU VC Prof Umesh Rai has been urged to visit IMFAA to assess the situation and begin PG courses in music and fine arts: Raman Suri : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J& K Executive Member Raman Suri today said that the heritage building that is home to the Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) is in extreme dilapidated condition and needs immediate attention.
He urged the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Professor Umesh Rai, to visit the place himself or send a team of JU officials who could assess the situation on the ground and propose some constructive measures to help the staff and students carry on with their activities in a comfortable and safe manner.
Raman Suri said that reports of the government planning to handover some portion of IMFA land for grid station are also disturbing as the compound of this institute is an ideal place for holding exhibitions or carrying out art-related camps and activities. Hence, the place must not be used for any other purposes, he said, adding that paucity of funds and restrictions because of heritage property don’t let the authorities even carry out minor repair or renovation work in the institute, which is a very serious matter.
He urged VC Jammu University Professor Rai to either get the building of IMFA repaired or shift the institution to another building where art and music could be taught and learnt in the most conducive atmosphere. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, is very particular about promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s art, culture, and languages, but the state of institutions tells a different story, which is uncalled for.
Raman Suri also urged the VC JU to propose and plan post-graduate courses for these subjects here in Jammu. In the absence of PG courses, students from Jammu and Kashmir have to go to other states for higher studies, and this is quite astonishing. In an era when we are having IIT, IIM, and AIIMS like institutions coming to Jammu and Kashmir, why can’t we have PG courses for fine arts here in Jammu?
Raman Suri said that the place that is housing the IMFA is ideal for such an institution, but it needs renovation and restoration. He said the Principal of the institution, Dr. Professor Shohaib Inayat Malik, should also be asked to gear up art-related activities and hold as many art camps as he can in the college
premises to make students aware of new and modern techniques, besides introducing veteran artists to students and showcasing their works.
Senior artists, including painters, musicians, vocalists, and sculptors, should all be introduced to students and made to perform on the premises so that the institution stays abuzz with art-related activities throughout the year, for which even an annual calendar can be prepared well in advance, if needed.