IUST Hosts Kashmiri Musical Opera “SONTUK AALAV” Under Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan
18/06/2026
Awantipora, June 18 (KIP)-he Office of the Dean of Students, Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) Awantipora, in collaboration with the Young Dramatists Society, organised a “SONTUK AALAV”, a soul-stirring musical opera in Kashmiri. The production is approved by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the Scheme of Cultural Function and Production Grant (CFPG) through the North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC). The programme aimed at institutionalising, documenting, and critically disseminating the performing arts and folk traditions of Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Registrar Prof Shameen Ahmad Shah, who was the Chief Guest, highlighted the significance of cultural programs in fostering holistic student development and lauded the Dean of Students Office for curating an engaging and meaningful event. He emphasised that such platforms nurture creativity, preserve regional heritage, and encourage active student participation beyond academics.
In her welcome address, the Dean of Students Dr Monisa Qadiri, underlined the importance of a dual role of universities by contributing through academics and research and acting as the custodians of heritage preservation, particularly the rich oral traditions of Kashmir.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from artists of the Young Dramatists Society and IUST students and was coordinated by the Cultural Committee, IUST, under the ambit of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan and Yuva Connect initiatives, reinforcing the university’s commitment to promoting cultural expression alongside social responsibility. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Farhana Mehraj Allai, Coordinator, Cultural Committee.
The program featured impactful skit performances and a pledge against drugs conveying socially relevant and inspirational messages, alongside a vibrant traditional Kashmiri Rouf dance that captivated the audience and celebrated the region’s rich cultural ethos.