Srinagar, Sept 25: The University of Kashmir (KU) and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly offer a Diploma Programme in Traditional and Professional Calligraphy, aimed at promoting skill-based education in calligraphy and providing structured training in the region’s traditional and contemporary calligraphic practices.
The MoU was signed by Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal and JKAACL Secretary Smt. Harvinder Kour (JKAS) in the presence of senior officials and academic functionaries of both institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “The programme will help place traditional calligraphic practices within a structured academic and skill-development framework, while also opening avenues for professional training.”
Shri B. M. Sharma, IFS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Culture, said that such MoUs have a long-term and lasting impact and added that the Department would explore further opportunities for collaboration with the University in other areas.
Dean Academic Affairs KU Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada and Registrar KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal highlighted the academic value of the collaboration and said the programme would provide students with structured training while connecting the University’s academic framework with JKAACL’s expertise and cultural resources.
The programme will be offered through the varsity’s Shri Pran Krishan Kaul Institute of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA) in collaboration with JKAACL.
The two-year diploma programme will have an intake of 10 students per academic session, with eligibility for candidates who have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination. Three months of academic instruction each year will be conducted at IMFA, while the remaining period dedicated to traditional calligraphy training will be held at JKAACL premises.
KU will oversee the curriculum, examinations, academic monitoring and certification, while JKAACL will provide faculty, infrastructure and logistical support and a monthly stipend/honorarium to selected enrolled students as per its rules. The diploma certificate will be issued by the University through the Controller of Examinations, acknowledging the joint contribution of IMFA and JKAACL.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Habibullah Shah, Principal, IMFA KU; Dr. Ashfaq Zarri, Special Secretary to the VC KU; Ideel Saleem (JKAS), Additional Secretary, JKAACL, besides other officials and representatives of both institutions.
