Srinagar, Apr 16 : Kashmir has witnessed an upsurge in the social position of women folk in recent years.

With restrictions on music and other entertainment sources imposed by the rebels, particularly on women, music for them had become a distant dream.

However, a new trend was seen at a latest talent show "Mile Sur", which was organised by Doordarshan in Srinagar with financial assistance of Jammu and Kashmir bank.

There was an overwhelming participation of girls in the three-day talent hunt show. They were happy to achieve their aspiration of singing.

The girls expressed their gratitude to Doordarshan, which provided them the platform that was lacking for decades.

Even the organizers appreciated the talent of the women and credited them for participating in equal number to the boys.

"We are happy that even girls are venturing into this field. A lot of damage has been done to the field for the last 20 years. Many upcoming talents went out of the state. Many music students left the field. The field had become limited. We are making efforts for increasing the sphere of this field and get new talent," said the music director and a judge at the show, Muzzaffar.

On the other hand, the participants wished for more such talent-hunt shows to be organised in the valley.

A participant at the show, Asiya said, "I think more steps like this should be taken. More programmes like this should be held so that the confidence of the youth is boosted so that they think that they can try this (music) besides any other career. I think if they are given more opportunities such as these, they (the youth) can opt for a career in music." (ANI)