DEC 27 : Divisional Commissioner Jammu on Tuesday attended “Dastaan-e-Mic”, a landmark open mic event organised by the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, aimed at providing a vibrant platform for young talent to express themselves through literature, music and performing arts. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth across the region and highlighted the growing interest in creative expression among young people.
Addressing the gathering, the Divisional Commissioner exhorted the youth to channel their energy and creativity into constructive pursuits such as sports, literary activities and performing arts. He emphasised that positive engagement not only nurtures individual talent but also plays a crucial role in building a healthy society free from social evils. He said that creative platforms like open mic events help young people find their voice, build confidence and develop a sense of purpose.
The Divisional Commissioner underlined that involvement in sports and cultural activities contributes significantly to physical fitness, mental well-being and emotional balance. He noted that in today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, youth often face stress, distractions and negative influences, making it even more important to encourage healthy outlets for self-expression and growth.
Highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting local art and culture, he said that Jammu has a rich cultural heritage that must be carried forward by the younger generation. Events such as “Dastaan-e-Mic” not only provide exposure to emerging talent but also create opportunities to showcase regional languages, folk traditions, poetry, storytelling and music on a wider platform.
He appreciated the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports for conceptualising and organising the open mic event, describing it as an innovative initiative to engage youth beyond conventional sports activities. He observed that such programmes complement sports by fostering creativity, discipline and teamwork, thereby contributing to holistic youth development.
Participants at the event showcased a wide range of performances, including poetry recitations, storytelling, music and spoken word acts, reflecting diverse themes such as social issues, personal journeys, cultural identity and hope for the future. The performances were well received by the audience and demonstrated the depth of talent present among the youth of the region.
The Divisional Commissioner interacted with several participants and encouraged them to continue honing their skills and pursuing their passions with dedication. He assured that the administration remains committed to supporting youth-centric initiatives that promote talent, creativity and positive engagement. He also called upon educational institutions and community organisations to collaborate in providing more such platforms at the grassroots level.
Officials from the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports stated that “Dastaan-e-Mic” is part of a broader effort to encourage youth participation in creative and cultural activities alongside sports. They added that similar events will be organised in other districts to identify and nurture talent while promoting cultural harmony and social cohesion.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, with participants and organisers expressing optimism that platforms like “Dastaan-e-Mic” would motivate more young people to explore arts and culture as meaningful avenues for self-expression and personal growth.
Overall, the programme reinforced the message that empowering youth through sports, literature and performing arts is essential for building a positive, inclusive and vibrant society, while also preserving the region’s rich cultural legacy
