“We Must Resolve to Make Jammu and Kashmir the Cultural Centre of the Country”: LG Sinha
KULGAM, NOVEMBER 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated the Veshow Festival in Kulgam, describing it as a vibrant platform reflecting Jammu and Kashmir’s rich literary, intellectual and cultural heritage. He called for the creation of a dedicated ‘Veshow Archive’ to preserve the region’s oral traditions, folk tales, poetry and cultural legacy for future generations.
Addressing a gathering of scholars, writers, poets, artists and literary enthusiasts, the Lieutenant Governor said the festival, launched in 2023, has evolved into a prominent forum for intellectual dialogue, creative expression and cultural exchange.
He observed that the growing participation of writers and readers reflects how ideas and creativity transcend geographical boundaries.
Highlighting Kulgam’s rich civilisational heritage, Sinha said the district represents a unique cultural landscape where spirituality, creativity, nature and humanity have coexisted in harmony for centuries.
Recalling the profound contributions of the Rishi-Sufi tradition, he referred to the teachings and legacy of Yogini Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Sayyid Hussain Simnani and other spiritual personalities who shaped the region’s values of compassion, simplicity, brotherhood and spiritual awakening.
The Lieutenant Governor said the universal message of the Rishi-Sufi tradition places humanity above divisions and dialogue above discord. He described the Veshow Literary Festival as a contemporary expression of this enduring legacy and an opportunity to celebrate ideas, creativity and cultural possibilities.
Appreciating the festival's distinctive format, he said it brings literature, art, heritage and livelihoods onto a common platform. Alongside literary discussions, book launches and interactions with writers and poets, the festival also showcases traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage through an antique village depicting the region’s historical traditions.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed hope that the festival would encourage meaningful exchanges among participants and provide greater visibility to the region’s traditional artisans and creative communities.
Outlining a five-point vision for the festival's future expansion, Sinha proposed establishing a dedicated ‘Veshow Archive’ to systematically document oral traditions, folk narratives and folk poetry; harnessing modern language technologies to facilitate multilingual translations; expanding mobile library services to remote villages; integrating the festival with tourism, handicrafts and homestays; and establishing a ‘Veshow Writers’ Residency’ to attract writers and poets from across the country.
Emphasising the need to connect cultural heritage with economic opportunities, he called for stronger linkages between the festival, tourism and handicrafts, saying that its growing identity could help promote homestays and unexplored tourist destinations in the region.
He stressed that the Veshow Festival should evolve beyond an annual cultural event into a wider movement for preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged young people to utilise digital platforms and podcasts to document and showcase Kulgam’s stories, traditions, literature and traditional crafts.
Expressing confidence in the festival’s potential, Sinha said such initiatives would inspire younger generations, strengthen the livelihoods of artisans and contribute towards establishing Jammu and Kashmir as a prominent cultural centre of the country.
“Let us preserve the rich heritage, promote culture, and shape a new Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the ‘Keepers of Veshow Heritage’, visited an exhibition showcasing Veshow traditions and released the festival magazine.
Member of Legislative Assembly Kulgam, Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami; former Chairman, District Development Council Kulgam, Mohd Afzal Parray; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Sujit Kumar; DIG South Kashmir, Javed Iqbal Mattoo; Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam; SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary; besides prominent literary personalities, youth and a large gathering of people, were present on the occasion. ANB
