Srinagar, Sep 26 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) and the University of Kashmir have signed an MoU to jointly offer a two-year diploma programme in traditional and professional calligraphy, officials said.
The programme aims to preserve and promote the region’s traditional calligraphic practices while providing students with structured academic and practical training.
The MoU was signed by JKAACL Secretary Harvinder Kour and University of Kashmir Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal in the presence of senior officials and academic functionaries of both institutions.
Under the collaboration, the diploma will be offered through the Pran Krishan Kaul Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) of the University of Kashmir in collaboration with JKAACL.
The programme will have an intake of 10 students in each academic session. Candidates who have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination will be eligible to apply, the officials said.
Three months of academic instruction each year will be conducted at IMFA, while the remaining period, focused on practical and traditional calligraphy training, will be held at the premises of JKAACL.
Kour said the collaboration was an important step towards safeguarding the region’s traditional knowledge and artistic practices through formal education and structured training.
University of Kashmir Vice-Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan said the programme would bring traditional calligraphic practices within a structured academic and skill-development framework and provide learners opportunities for professional advancement.
Principal Secretary Culture B M Sharma appreciated the initiative and said institutional collaborations of this nature have long-term significance in strengthening cultural and academic activities.
He said the department would explore further avenues of collaboration with the University of Kashmir in other areas.
The signing ceremony was attended by JKAACL Additional Secretary Ideel Saleem, IMFA Principal Dr Habibullah Shah, Special Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor Dr Ashfaq Zarri, Dean Academic Affairs Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada and other senior officials.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the preservation, promotion and transmission of traditional calligraphic practices while equipping young learners with specialised skills for opportunities in the cultural and creative fields.—(NVI)
