JAMMU, Sep 21: Eminent theatre personality and cultural activist Padmashri Balwant Thakur was today conferred the Kunwar Viyogi Sahitya-Kala Samman–2026 for his outstanding contribution to theatre, literature, art and the cultural life of Jammu and Kashmir. The award was presented at Kala Kendra, Bikram Chowk, at a function jointly organised by the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust (KVMT) and Dogri Sanstha Jammu. Sanjeev Verma, IAS, Chief Electoral officer and Principal Secretary/Commissioner Secretary, J&K Election Department was the Chief Guest.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Lalit Magotra, President, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, said the honour was an expression of gratitude to individuals who had enriched the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Recalling Kunwar Viyogi’s contribution to Dogri and Jammu’s cultural identity, he said the best tribute to his legacy was to continue encouraging writers, artists and cultural practitioners. He congratulated Balwant Thakur for taking Jammu’s theatre to national and international platforms.
Sanjeev Verma congratulated the awardee and appreciated KVMT and Dogri Sanstha Jammu for recognising distinguished contributions to literature and the arts. He said such initiatives preserve cultural memory while encouraging contemporary creativity. He also acknowledged Balwant Thakur’s role in nurturing young talent and giving Jammu’s theatre a distinctive identity.
Ayushman Jamwal, Trustee, KVMT, said the Samman reflected the values of creativity, cultural commitment and service that Kunwar Viyogi stood for. He said the Trust was committed to carrying forward his vision by supporting literature, theatre, art and cultural initiatives. He described Balwant Thakur’s recognition as a celebration of his sustained contribution to the theatre movement of Jammu and Kashmir.
The programme also featured the screening of two documentaries, one on the life and legacy of late Kunwar Viyogi and initiatives of the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust and other on late Govardhan Singh Jamwal. The citation was presented by Prof. Veena Gupta, Vice president Dogri Sanstha Jammu.
Expressing gratitude, Balwant Thakur acknowledged the contribution of fellow theatre practitioners, artists and cultural workers in strengthening the theatre movement of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pawan Verma conducted the proceedings. The Vote of Thanks was presented by Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’, General Secretary, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, the awardee, KVMT, members of Dogri Sanstha Jammu and the literary and cultural fraternity. He said the response to the programme reflected the community’s enduring respect for Kunwar Viyogi and for those dedicated to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity. The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting Dogri language, literature, theatre, art and the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.