On December 23, 2024, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, inaugurated the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts Regional Centre at Jammu. This event marks a significant step in preserving and promoting the region's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The establishment of the IGNCA Centre in Jammu offers a platform that will help safeguard time-tested knowledge and wisdom while fostering a cultural resurgence in the region.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the importance of Jammu's folk traditions, highlighting how they have sustained societal values and ideals through the ages. He expressed confidence that the IGNCA Regional Centre would be instrumental in preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir's art and cultural heritage. The centre, he noted, would act as a framework for nurturing cultural virtues that enhance the quality of life for the people of the region. He also pointed out that the folk traditions of Jammu are not mere remnants of the past, but living expressions of the community's collective wisdom, which need to be preserved for future generations.
The Lieutenant Governor also underscored the significance of the region's civilisational heritage, which he described as inclusive and rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family. This philosophy emphasises the interconnectedness of all people, a message that remains highly relevant in today's globalised world. By promoting the region’s diverse cultural practices, the IGNCA Centre will help foster global peace and cooperation, reinforcing the idea that India's cultural heritage is a valuable contribution to global harmony.
Another key point raised by the Lieutenant Governor was the importance of empowering the youth in the cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He urged intellectuals, artists, and organisations like IGNCA to work together to cultivate an artistic mindset among young people. By nurturing the creative potential of youth, the region can benefit not just in the arts but across various sectors of society. The Lieutenant Governor pointed out that the younger generation holds immense potential for driving social change, innovation, and economic growth through creative expression.
In this regard, he also praised the Toycathon initiative organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) in collaboration with IGNCA. Toycathon provides a platform for young minds to engage in grassroots innovation by designing toys that reflect local cultural ethos and the lives of local heroes. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to connect creativity with cultural preservation, allowing the youth to contribute meaningfully to both innovation and the safeguarding of regional traditions.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised the need to preserve and disseminate the region's literary and oral traditions. He called for greater efforts to share the works of local thinkers and poets like Yogini Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Habba Khatoon, and Padma Sachdev with younger generations. These cultural treasures represent the philosophical and spiritual foundations of the region and must not be forgotten. He urged that regional literature, folk music, drama, and art forms like Pahari art become part of everyday life and be accessible to the wider population.
In addition, the Lieutenant Governor took the opportunity to celebrate the role of education in this cultural resurgence. He noted the ongoing revolution in the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed pride that the region is leading the country in implementing the National Education Policy 2020. He underscored the importance of education in promoting cultural awareness and ensuring that the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir remains alive and relevant.
The inauguration of the IGNCA Centre is not just a ceremonial milestone but a vital step in preserving the region's diverse and vibrant cultural identity. It reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding the rich artistic traditions of Jammu and Kashmir while also creating a space for innovation and creativity to flourish. Through the efforts of organisations like IGNCA and SCERT, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will be empowered to preserve their heritage, contribute to the creative industries, and participate in the cultural dialogue at both the national and international levels.
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