Community Library
Hanjigund Village is home to more than 250 families deeply rooted in indigenous art practices such as theatre, music, dance, and other traditional forms of cultural expression. These traditions are the cultural backbone of the community. Alongside preserving this heritage, there is a growing need to support the younger generation in accessing quality education and developing skills for the digital world.
To address this, we have initiated the establishment of a Community Library at Hanjigund Village. The library will serve as a shared learning and resource space where children of traditional art practitioners can strengthen their educational foundations, engage with digital learning, and broaden their perspectives.
In addition to Hanjigund Village, the nearby village of Balpora Wathora is home to more than 50 families who are also closely associated with indigenous art practices. The Community Library is envisioned as a common space for children and youth from both villages, fostering inclusion, collaboration, and shared growth.
This initiative is undertaken under the theme “Return a Village to Nature.” The Community Library represents the first phase of a larger, long-term vision to build a waste-free, sustainable village. By creating a space for education, awareness, and collective thinking, the library will also encourage environmentally responsible practices and community-led solutions.
Beyond books and digital resources, the library will function as a space for dialogue, creativity, and idea-sharing—where young people can explore how indigenous knowledge, artistic traditions, education, and sustainability can walk together with changing times. Our vision is to empower the next generation with knowledge, digital skills, and environmental awareness, while honoring and sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Training Program on
Traditional Bach Nagma
​
Under our initiative, a dedicated Training Program on Traditional Bach Nagma is being conducted to preserve, promote, and pass on this rich musical tradition to the next generation. The program started on 1st July 2025 and is continuing until 30th June 2026.
Under this initiative, 6–8 selected artists are getting trained through regular and intensive sessions conducted by experienced practitioners. The training focuses on both the theoretical foundations and practical performance aspects of Traditional Bach Nagma, ensuring an authentic and in-depth learning experience.
This continuous training program aims to strengthen artistic skills, support cultural continuity, and nurture excellence in traditional music forms.
Revival Training Program on Sufiana Mausiqi
A Training Programme on Sufiana Mausiqi was inaugurated on 15 July 2025 at the Seminar Hall of the Jammu and Kashmir Central Office, Srinagar. The programme is supported by Anant National University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, New Delhi, with the shared objective of preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of Sufiana Mausiqi.
The year-long initiative focuses on training five to six young artists in Santoor making and performance, integrating traditional craftsmanship with musical performance. As part of the programme, a Santoor Making Workshop was conducted at Anant National University, where students learned the design and craftsmanship of the instrument. During the workshop, eight fully functional Santoors were successfully crafted.
The training programme is being led by Manzoor Ul Haq, Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar Awardee by Sangeet Natak Akademi, who is serving as the Master Trainer. Anant National University is supporting the initiative till 14th July 2026 of the training programme, while the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, New Delhi, is providing extended support from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2027, ensuring continuity and long-term sustainability of the project.
