O P Sharma
opsharmajournalist@gmail.com
Cultural Heritage is a prized possession of any country or a community, which really stands for its distinct identity and dignity about its rich heritage and attainments over a period of time. The proud cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible-built over long years which passes from generation to generation as a priceless legacy from the past to the present-is a treasure trove of any nation or community or region. It has to be preserved, projected and protected at all costs for the present as also the future generations, among other things by the media: electronic, print, traditional and also social media or even oral word communication.
The proud cultural and literary heritage of the Dogras in Jammu and Kashmir with world-famous Basohli miniature paintings, sweet melodious music with traditional instruments, hilarious dance forms, glorious monuments of forts, palaces or magnificent temples and other places of spiritual significance like holy Mata Vaishno Devi cave which now has perennial inflow of over one crore pilgrims every year, besides several other sacred places of almost all faiths as also natural beauty spots as well as traditional/folk music, songs, dances or delicious local dishes with taste of their own with irresistible attraction for the visitors and pilgrims. In addition, the ancient historical documents, archaeological sites like Baboor, Akhnoor and so on are also many other sites of deep historical interest.
Priceless Heritage
The forward move for keeping intact and further safeguarding, projecting and promoting the Dogras’ rich heritage in India for our better future is in strategic deployment of all media of communication like traditional, print, electronic and now even the social media network for protecting and preservation of our tangible and intangible heritage by all means and at all costs with active public sensitization and also active participation.
The cultural heritage of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in the north-western region of the Himalayas since time immemorial, Dogra culture is a vital component of ancient Indian civilization which is our treasure trove of great significance across the globe.
Heritage is anything that is considered important enough to be passed on to the next generations. Cultural heritage refers to the cultural aspects like heritage sites, monuments, folklore, traditional activities and practices Dogri and sister languages are considered vital to be preserved for the future generations. One of the ways to preserve our Dogra Heritage, whatever it may be, is to share it with others and utilize all modern and traditional media of communication effectively and efficiently for optimal results.
Unique Arts, Music, Shrines
The built heritage of Jammu dates back to the 2nd century AD; evidence exists of the Buddhist Stupa at Ambaran near Akhnoor in Jammu; temples at Krimchi, Baboor and also some ancient forts, palaces and shrines. Few others include: Amar Mahal Palace, Bahu Fort, Akhnoor Fort, Ambaran.
Jammu and Kashmir, having a number of cultural heritage sites, both tangible and intangible, have not been properly preserved, maintained and protected by the past administration for their due inclusion in UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. A historical neglect has been done which now needs to be rectified by concerted, result-oriented efforts so that the invaluable cultural heritage is preserved and projected. Redoubled energy, concerted and sustained endeavours are urgently needed. Suitable strategy coupled with innovative, sustained efforts are urgently required now without losing time otherwise “it will be too late”.
As an important tool, the media has a pivotal role to play in the projection, promotion and safeguarding of the rich heritage-both tangible and intangible as well as environment-by effectively and efficiently deploying the all-powerful media (medium of communication). Media has emerged as a very powerful instrument of shaping public opinion and seeking active co-operation and participation for obtaining the desired goals of safeguarding or averting damage to the valuable legacy by identification for preservation and promotion for the present and next generations. An imaginative mix of channels of communication: printed, audio-visual or traditional media.
Media Playing Pivotal Role
In the context of devising a suitable strategy, a comprehensive and deep study and proper mix of media of communication has to be evolved and tailored for obtaining desired optimal results in the context of the language, socio-economic and other considerations of the target area, the concerned people keeping in view their educational or cultural values for proper upkeep of the invaluable heritage through the deployment of media.
Keeping in mind available means of communication-print or electronic including television or radio (which are effective and wider reach but costly); other networks like posters, hoardings, sign-boards and also leaflets distributed in the local language preferably in the popular idiom and famous popular figures so the maximum number of people accept and adopt the message for the protection and preservation of our Dogra rich cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir as also elsewhere in and beyond the country. The talks on the subject through all means including music, songs, folk music and organizing public gatherings (melas or festivals) to create awareness among the people about the vital importance of our cultural heritage-its preservation and proper management-as symbols of our proud past and identity of the present and future generations.
Proud Past, Bright Future
The newspapers and periodicals still play a crucial role in Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern Himalayan part of India. The Press is still active and alive in this part. The story of local origin, growth and development in Jammu and Kashmir is interesting, slow and steady but absorbing indeed with ancient civilizational roots, has glorious past and bright future. The legacy of its rich cultural heritage along with India is for everyone to be proud. A number of the old monuments, temples with unique art and architectural features are matchless and centres of attraction.
First duly registered newspaper in Jammu and Kashmir State, The Ranbir, an Urdu weekly edited and published by Mulk Raj Saraf on June 25, 1924, was put out during the Maharaja Hari Singh regime of Dogra dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir State.
It may be mentioned that first Radio Station, Jammu was inaugurated on December 1, 1947 by Maharaja Hari Singh, who was last ruler of Jammu and Kashmir State and later on Radio Station, Srinagar was opened on July 1, 1948. It was inaugurated by Akbar Jahan Begam, wife of Sheikh Abdullah, to project Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage, socio-economic development and also to counter poisonous Pak propaganda. Both these stations, now All India Radio, are doing good job.
All the newspapers, magazines and printed word material has free flow in this border and sensitive Jammu and Kashmir. Steadily the newspaper industry had a steady growth in strength and stature and became channels of effective communication. Television, broadcasting and public debates or discussions can also be made use of efficiently.
All these media, print and electronic, are playing their pivotal role in projection and protection of our cultural heritage.
While we have a proud past and conserve our priceless heritage, there is certainly a bright future ahead.
(The author is a Jammu – based veteran Journalist)
(Starline.syndicate.service@gmail.com)
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