Dr Jitendra Singh Hosts High-Tea for J&K Tableau Team, Praises Cultural Showcase at Republic Day Parade

New Delhi, January 27: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday hosted a high-tea get-together for the Jammu and Kashmir tableau team that had performed at the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path.

The event was held a day after the Jammu and Kashmir tableau received widespread appreciation for its vivid and immersive portrayal of the region’s cultural diversity during the Republic Day Parade. The Minister interacted extensively with the performing artists, designers, officials and members of the contingent, both individually and collectively, and congratulated them for their disciplined presentation and collective effort.

Dr Jitendra Singh said the tableau successfully conveyed the cultural depth and richness of Jammu and Kashmir to audiences across the country. He remarked that even viewers seated far away were able to connect with the region’s traditions, colours and rhythms through the visual narrative presented on Kartavya Path.

The Minister said that such cultural representations echo Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of development rooted in civilisational heritage. He stressed that cultural pride and development must progress together, and that showcasing local traditions, crafts and community life on national platforms reflects India’s cultural confidence.

Referring to the visual elements of the tableau, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the depiction of purple fields of lavender, the intricate miniature art of Basholi and the vibrant folk-dance traditions, which together reflected the artistic richness and cultural continuity of the Union Territory.

The tableau opened with a grand engraved Kashmiri Samovar symbolising hospitality, followed by representations of traditional wooden architecture and houseboat imagery. At the centre, a Dogra Chhajja performance staged on a village Thadda portrayed community life and the continuity of traditions in the Jammu region.

Spirited folk dances such as Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri and Dumhal added energy and movement to the presentation, while the concluding display of colourful papier-mâché artefacts arranged in a willow basket depicted Jammu and Kashmir as a living canvas of creativity and craftsmanship.

During the interaction, the Minister encouraged the contingents to continue preserving and promoting traditional art forms while adapting them to contemporary platforms. He said that India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 would be shaped not only by economic and technological progress, but also by strong cultural roots and active community participation.

The meeting concluded on a warm note, with Dr Jitendra Singh expressing confidence that platforms such as the Republic Day Parade would continue to play a vital role in showcasing India’s cultural diversity as a source of strength, unity and inspiration for the nation’s long-term development.