LG Sinha Calls for People-Centric Movement to Preserve Kashmir’s Cultural Heritage , Urges greater research, documentation and restoration of heritage sites; stresses making cultural legacy accessible to future generations
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called for a people-centric movement to revive, preserve, document and disseminate Jammu and Kashmir’s rich civilisational heritage, emphasising that cultural heritage must remain a living force in society rather than being confined to academic preservation.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing a two-day National Seminar on “Revival, Preservation and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage of Kashmir”, organised by Kakini Building Humanity in Srinagar. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also graced the occasion virtually.
Congratulating the organisers and participants, including scholars, administrators, artists, ex-servicemen, military officers and citizens, Sinha described heritage as a priceless inheritance passed down by generations of philosophers, saints, artisans, writers and thinkers who enriched humanity through their wisdom and creativity.
He said the responsibility of the present generation was not limited to appreciating this legacy but also to preserving, systematically documenting and making it accessible to wider sections of society.
Highlighting Kashmir’s historic contributions to philosophy, spirituality, language, aesthetics and intellectual thought, the Lieutenant Governor referred to the outstanding legacy of Acharya Abhinavagupta, describing him as an embodiment of the unity of spiritual experience, artistic expression and intellectual inquiry.
He called upon universities, educational institutions and cultural organisations to promote research, translate classical texts and create common platforms for scholars and students to reconnect younger generations with Kashmir’s intellectual and cultural traditions.
“Heritage must be alive, it must converse, and it must guide our new generation,” he said, underscoring the need to make cultural knowledge relevant to contemporary society.
Observing that culture forms the foundation of every society, Sinha said a deeper understanding of history and heritage strengthens collective identity, self-respect and mutual understanding. He stressed that ancient religious sites, manuscripts, museums and cultural institutions must be preserved with sensitivity and responsibility.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the initiatives undertaken in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the conservation and restoration of historical monuments, modernisation of archives, archaeological research and development of cultural infrastructure.
Sharing details of the ongoing initiatives, he said preservation work had been initiated on 106 heritage projects during the first two phases, of which more than 40 had been completed. Under Phase III, 321 projects had been identified, with 312 receiving administrative approval.
He further informed that the digitisation of historical records in the Jammu and Srinagar archives was progressing steadily, with nearly 96.8 lakh pages digitised so far, accounting for approximately 68 per cent of the available documents.
Under Mission Gyan Bharatam, surveys had identified around 43,000 manuscripts, while digitisation efforts were continuing to safeguard this invaluable literary and intellectual heritage.
Sinha also referred to ongoing initiatives concerning the Sufiana School in Srinagar, modernisation of Abhinav Theatre and Kala Kendra in Jammu, restoration of Mubarak Mandi and research into recently discovered Kushan-era Buddhist remains in Baramulla district.
Speaking about the Naranag Heritage Complex in Ganderbal district, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the research and documentation initiatives undertaken by Kakini Building Humanity and expressed hope that conservation and restoration work would commence following the completion of requisite procedural formalities.
He also appreciated the initiatives associated with the Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage, describing it as a significant symbol of Kashmir’s enduring cultural and spiritual traditions.
Referring to Naranag’s historical and spiritual importance, he said the site represented a unique convergence of faith, geography and collective memory. He also welcomed the establishment of a chair by Kakini Building Humanity at the Indian Heritage Institute.
Reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir’s longstanding tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect among different faiths, Sinha said the cultural and spiritual contributions of every community must be preserved with dignity and sensitivity.
He referred to the enduring teachings of Yogini Lalleshwari and Nund Rishi, observing that their vaakhs continued to touch people's hearts across generations because of their universal wisdom and timeless message.
“Preserving this tradition of harmony is our collective public responsibility,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley’s literary, spiritual and cultural heritage, stating that their dignified return would help restore Kashmir’s complete social and cultural fabric.
He commended the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, along with scholars, archivists, museum professionals and other stakeholders, for their efforts towards heritage conservation. He also appreciated the contribution of former Army officers and civil society organisations towards cultural preservation and nation-building.
On the occasion, Padma Vibhushan Dr Padma Subrahmanyam, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Advocate Raja Ashraf Ali Khan, Swamini Vishwa Nireeshwari Lakshmi Priya Mata, Ramesh Hangloo, Architect Balaji Dhar and Architect Shravanthi were felicitated in recognition of their contributions to culture and heritage.
Major General R.K. Raina (Retd.), Chairman, Kakini Building Humanity; Commander Sanjay Kaul (Retd.); Dr Aanchal Khurana, Vice-President, Kakini Building Humanity; Ramesh Kumar, Secretary, Culture Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; senior officials and prominent citizens from various walks of life attended the seminar. ANB
