Youth should not lose connect with culture, values: Mufti

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today asked the youth of the state not to lose connect with their culture, heritage and traditional values in their pursuit of science and technology.
"In their pursuit of science and technology, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir should not lose connect with their culture, heritage and traditional values," Sayeed said, inaugurating the newly-renovated building of Abhinav Theater here.
He said he acknowledged the strides made in the field of science and technology but added while pursuing a bright future by equipping them with the latest in science and technology, the youth need to know who they were by connecting with their culture, heritage and tradition.

"I acknowledge the strides made in the field of science and technology but while pursuing a bright future by equipping themselves with the latest in science and technology, our future generations need to know who they are. This can only be achieved by keeping their heritage and traditions alive," he said.
Terming the renovated Abhinav Theatre as the nerve centre
of cultural activities in the Jammu region, the chief minister said that cultural events should become a part of people's lives and the activities should not merely be held because dignitaries come to attend such functions.

Mufti advocated for having schools for Sufi music and folklores in both the capital cities of the state.

"This is the reason why I have said we need to have schools of Sufi music and folklore. Colleges and universities have to be linked with music and folklore so that this is institutionalised," he said.
He said that while the Hindi film industry has made great progress but this has not undermined the traditional theatre and drama in the country.
"Great progress by cinema cannot in any way undermine the stature of Shakespeare, as the great playwright that he has been," he said.
He said that art was helping unite the people of the country as it did not distinguish the people based on their caste or religion.

"Artists like musicians, singers, movie actors and theatre artists see a human being as a human being and not as a Hindu or a Muslim," he said.
While invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Mufti said he had read a lot about the Father of the Nation but after watching Sanjay Dutt-starrer 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' he had rediscovered the Gandhian spirit of taking a slap and returning it with love and compassion.