Srinagar, Feb 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the ‘Soan Meeraas’ Srinagar Heritage Festival at Kashmir Haat today.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the participating artisans and artists and commended the collaborative efforts between the District Administration Srinagar and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre J&K. He emphasized that the Srinagar Heritage Festival honors the contributions of our talented artisans, folk artists, and writers, and celebrates our rich and diverse cultural heritage, which serves as inspiration for future growth.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing Jammu Kashmir’s cultural and artistic heritage, aiming to create positive impacts on the lives of citizens, particularly those involved in art, crafts, and culture.
“Supporting the artisan community and folk artists is one of my primary goals. I aspire to ensure that every child understands their roots, and that every youth carrying forward the legacy of the artisan community is empowered to contribute to J&K’s economic development,” he stated.
He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the past four and a half years have seen strategic policies implemented on time, providing artisans, craftspeople, and artists with enhanced resources and opportunities for success.
The Lieutenant Governor also discussed Srinagar’s evolving role as the cultural heart of Jammu Kashmir, highlighting the government’s efforts to transform the cities of the Union Territory into places where ancient traditions meet modern conveniences.
He underscored the vital contributions of youth, artists, and informed citizens in safeguarding cultural heritage while promoting awareness about environmental protection. “The preservation and promotion of heritage are essential for the sustainable development of our cities and the enhancement of urban living standards. I am convinced that culture is a way of life, and we must engage young generations, as custodians of our rich legacy, in protecting both our cultural and natural heritage,” he added.
On this occasion, the Lieutenant Governor launched a book titled “Iconic Women of J&K” and honored students and artists participating in the Srinagar Heritage Festival.
Prior to this, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Traditional village and Art Gallery, observing exhibitions and live demonstrations of sports and various cultural activities.
Throughout the Srinagar Heritage Festival, numerous events were held at Jhelum Riverfront, Dal Lake, and Kashmir Haat, creating a memorable experience for participants and visitors while fostering a sense of identity and community cohesion.
Among those present were Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakash, DIG CKR; Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; along with senior officials from Security forces, Police, Civil Administration, artisans, artists, youth, and community members.
