Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson School (TBMS), Srinagar, hosted a cultural evening titled “KAASHHIM – A Journey from Valley to Himalaya” on Monday, bringing together the cultural traditions of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh through music, dance and song.
The programme was organised as part of the 75th Jubilee year celebrations of the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India (CNI), and featured performances by students of TBMS and St Thomas’ School, Shimla.
The evening showcased the distinct cultural traditions of the two Himalayan regions while highlighting their shared heritage and connections. Performances by students received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
In his welcome address, Director of the Tyndale Biscoe and Mallinson Society, Rahul Rex Kaul, described KAASHHIM as a celebration of the beauty, culture and spirit of the Himalayan region.
“From the Valley of Kashmir to the hills of Shimla, our landscapes may have their own character, language, tradition and expression, but we share the great Himalayas and a heritage shaped by these mountains over generations,” he said.
Kaul said the collaboration between TBMS and St Thomas’ School, Shimla, was aimed at bringing the cultural traditions of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh together through music, dance and song.
Former General Secretary of the CNI Synod and Executive Committee member of the Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, described the concept behind KAASHHIM as carrying a message beyond the stage, calling it a possible “vision for the unity of the nation.”
Drawing an analogy with chemistry, he said that when two elements capable of “gelling together” come into contact, they can produce something significant.
He said the collaboration between the two schools demonstrated how different people and cultures could come together to create something meaningful.
“At a moment when we are fighting over territories, languages and other differences, here is a team that comes together and gives the message of cultures and civilisations coming together,” he said.
He also recalled the contribution of Tyndale Biscoe School to Kashmir’s educational landscape and said the institution had remained an important part of the region’s educational heritage for generations.
Bishop of the Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, and Chairman of the TBMS Society, Manoj Charan, said the programme was a celebration of music, dance, culture, friendship and young people coming together.
Referring to the students’ performances, Charan praised their talent, confidence, discipline and energy.
Explaining the name “KAASHHIM”, he said it was a creative combination of “Kash”, representing Kashmir and its rich cultural heritage, and “Him”, representing the Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh.
“KAASHHIM is more than a name, it is a journey and a bridge from the valleys of Kashmir to the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh,” he said.
Charan described the programme as a bridge between two regions, cultural traditions and communities, and, most importantly, between the hearts, dreams and talents of young people.
“Kashmir has its own unique music, poetry, art, tradition and heritage. Himachal Pradesh has its own beautiful folk culture, colours and traditions. When these cultures come together, we do not lose our identity but we enrich one another,” he said.
He said cultural diversity should not be viewed as a source of division, but as a source of strength, beauty and fellowship.
Charan said the evening was “not merely a cultural programme but a celebration of unity through diversity”, with Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh coming together through their students.
He also acknowledged the contribution of teachers, coordinators, staff, parents and students who worked behind the scenes in preparing for the programme.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Range, Sujit Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy; SP East Srinagar Neha Jain; parents; and senior functionaries of TBMS attended the event.
