JAMMU, Oct 2: Outstanding performing artists of Natrang were honoured by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu at the Mandapam Auditorium for their remarkable contribution to the performing arts and for taking the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir to national and international platforms.The artists were honoured by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, who presented plaques of honour and certificates of appreciation to the performers in recognition of their exceptional artistic contribution. The felicitation took place on the occasion of Natrang’s highly acclaimed production, ‘Colours of Jammu & Kashmir’, presented as part of the celebrations marking 10 years of excellence of IIM Jammu.‘Colours of Jammu & Kashmir’ is a unique theatrical concept conceived and created by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, founder and director of Natrang. The production celebrates the extraordinary cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir through a vibrant synthesis of dance, music, theatre and traditional performing arts. It brings together the distinct cultural expressions of the region and presents them in a visually engaging and spectacular format.The production has earned widespread recognition for its innovative presentation and its ability to communicate the cultural richness of Jammu and Kashmir to audiences across the world. Balwant Thakur first showcased ‘Colours of Jammu & Kashmir’ at the British Parliament, where it received appreciation for its distinctive portrayal of the region’s pluralistic cultural traditions. Since then, the production has travelled to several countries, introducing international audiences to the diverse artistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.One of the most significant milestones in the journey of the production was its presentation during the G20 celebrations in Kashmir, where it captivated audiences from across the globe. The performance provided a powerful cultural window into the traditions, colours and artistic diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.The felicitation at IIM Jammu was not merely a recognition of individual artists but also an acknowledgement of their collective contribution to preserving, promoting and taking the cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir to wider audiences.Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, appreciated Natrang’s sustained contribution to the performing arts and its efforts to showcase the cultural wealth of the region through innovative and contemporary presentations.The honouring of Natrang artists added a special cultural dimension to IIM Jammu’s 10th anniversary celebrations and reaffirmed the importance of art and culture in strengthening the region’s cultural identity and connecting it with audiences nationally and internationally.The artists who were honoured on the occasion including Neeraj Kant, Sunny Mujoo, Mohd. Yaseen, Pawan Verma, Shivam Singh, Kananpreet Kaur, Arya Sharma, Pallvi Sharma, Khushboo Pandita, Vani Verma, Chinky Behal, Muskan Gupta, Sakshi Gupta, Mussrat Bano Bhatt, Janvi Biloria, Vanshika Manhas, Vipashu Sharma, Deepika Jangral, Aryan Sharma, Sanket Bhagat, Krishna, Arun Dev Verma, Arun Sharma, Amit Rana, Narinder and Sahil Narwalia.