JAMMU, Aug 8: The 21st Foundation Day of Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS), popularly known as Lok Bharti, was celebrated with cultural fervour at the institute’s premises at Durga Bhawan, Janipur, Jammu, with artistes, students, senior colleagues and cultural personalities joining the celebrations.
The programme marked the organisation’s journey of more than two decades in promoting folk music, theatre, dance and traditional performing arts of Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India. Founder and Chairman-cum-Director Dr. Mohan Lal Dogra expressed gratitude to the artistes, students, technicians, officials, associates and supporters who, according to him, have contributed to the growth of the institution and its cultural mission.
A professionally designed audio-visual presentation highlighted the major milestones of BLSKS and showcased excerpts from its acclaimed folk musical productions, including ‘Mata Vaishno Devi’, ‘Raja Mandlik & Kalibeer’, ‘Mata Sukrala’ and ‘Doli’, besides folk dances and other productions based on social and cultural themes.
A mega cultural programme was also presented by the artistes and students of BLSKS. Special performances centred on the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign were organised, while the programme concluded with a presentation of the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The musical presentation was conducted by legendary Guru Master Kartar Chand under the overall direction of Dr. Mohan Lal Dogra.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. V.K. Magotra, Managing Director, BLSKS, in the presence of Dr. Anju Kumari Dogra, Government Health Department, Jammu; Dr. Tara Singh Charak, former Deputy Director, Health Department, J&K Government; and Mukesh Singh, senior media personality, among other guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Magotra highlighted the contribution of BLSKS towards preserving and promoting traditional performing arts. He said the institution’s journey has been strengthened by the dedicated contribution of thousands of artistes and associates.
Over the years, BLSKS has presented more than 5,000 major performances on social themes, government programmes and public-awareness initiatives in coordination with organisations including the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Culture, Social Welfare Department, AIDS Control Society and Cultural Academy, J&K Government. Its productions have received appreciation not only across India but also internationally in countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Russia, Mauritius, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia.
The institution has also contributed to arts education. According to BLSKS, around 2,000 students have received training associated with Music Visharad/B.Mus and graduation-level programmes of the Lucknow Gharana, while nearly 3,000 students have received computer diploma education.
Dr. Mohan Lal Dogra, who founded BLSKS on August 8, 2006, has made significant contributions as a folk theatre director, playwright, poet, musician and performing artiste. After his superannuation from the Song and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, he continued his cultural work and authored songs, musical plays and literary works in Dogri, Hindi and Punjabi.
His notable works include ‘Preet Lari’, ‘Doli’, ‘Raja Mandlik’, ‘Kathoti Mein Ganga’, ‘Rang Dai Deo’, ‘Ram Leela’, ‘Krishna Leela’, ‘Nai Chetna’ and ‘Muskan’. His productions have frequently focused on social issues and public-awareness themes.
Among his major contributions is the folk theatre dance-drama ‘Maa Sheran Wali’, depicting the story associated with the Holy Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi. His productions have incorporated traditional instruments and folk forms such as Jaarian, Dhole, Thali, Lotta, King, Narsingha, flute, Sarangi, Nagara, Tasha, Shankh, Karkan, Baran, Geetru and Bhajans, creating a distinctive blend of music, theatre and dance.
In April 2026, BLSKS presented the mega musical play ‘Mata Sukrala Ki Kahani’ at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, featuring around 60 artistes. The production was inaugurated by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the presence of other dignitaries.
Dr. Dogra has also written thousands of songs on social issues, cultural themes and government programmes and policies. His works have been presented in Jammu and Kashmir as well as several other states, including Assam, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh.
Renowned theatre personalities have recognised his contribution to Indian performing arts, describing him as a versatile folk theatre director, traditional artiste, scriptwriter and cultural promoter. He has received more than 40 national and international awards for his contribution to performing arts and public service.
BLSKS continues to conduct music and folk-art training, talent hunts, cultural programmes, national and international-day celebrations, awareness campaigns and educational initiatives. It also runs a day-care centre and a repertory centre associated with the Ministry of Culture.
The cultural presentations featured artistes including Usha Raina, M.C. Kotwal, Rajni Gupta, Bindia Okheda, Chahat Chadha, Naiya Digra, Poly Devi and Deepak Kumar Dogra, Programme In-charge. Deepak Kumar Dogra presented the vote of thanks and acknowledged the contribution of all those associated with the successful conduct of the Foundation Day programme.