As part of the continual efforts by the Indian Army to catalyze the socio-economic development, showcase the rich cultural heritage and to boost tourism in Gurez, the Army today conducted ‘Kanzalwan Mela’ at Bagtore high grounds in Kanzalwan with an aim to provide a platform for the budding artists and seasoned performers of the entire Gurez valley spanning from Razdan to Chakwali and to showcase their unexplored talent to the representatives of the film industry, thereby providing them with employment prospects for the booming film industry being welcomed in Gurez post the inception of the new film policy in the Kashmir valley.
Prominent figures of the film industry such as Mrs Pratyusha Sharma, Film Producer and Mr Danish Khan, Line Producer of Hamiasto productions from Srinagar were invited as the Chief Guests for the Event, Which witnessed attendance from more than 2000 locals from all corners of the Gurez valley. The Mega event encompassed various Games, Pony Race, Cultural programs and Competitions apart from exclusive performances by the Army Personnel which included a Jazz Band and Khukri dance display. Various Food Stalls showcasing army unit specialties were established to give the locals a taste of cuisines from all parts of India. The Mega event concluded with the prize distribution by various prominent figures of the Valley and felicitation of the Chief Guests.
The Mela displayed explicit bonding between the locals and the Indian Army and achieved its aim of bringing a sense of hope and smiles on the faces of the locals of the Gurez valley. This was an extraordinary event for the locals and the locals are now sanguine that the inception of the film industry and film tourism might be the guiding beacon for the bright future of the Gurez valley.