Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 2: Dr Martin Ney, Ambassador of Germany in India, today inaugurated the first phase of the restoration of Dewan-e-Khaas at Shalimar Garden in presence of J&K’s Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar.
The Ambassador unveiled a plaque commemorating the project and also opened to public view the restored Papier Machie ceilings inside the Dewan-e-Khaas.
The Ambassador while praising the beauty, handicrafts and heritage of Kashmir said Germany will help in whatever possible way to preserve this treasure. He said since 1981 Germany has spent more than Rs 400 crore on 2650 projects aimed to preserve cultural heritage in 144 countries. In India alone more than 50 such projects have been undertaken and Rs 22 lakh Diwaan-e-Khaas project has now been added to the renowned list of such heritage sites in India.
Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar while thanking the German Ambassador for the help in the conservation project said there is scope of more international cooperation in such work. He said Kashmir is blessed with so much of cultural heritage and natural wonders which need to be conserved and showcased.
The Minister said that Kashmir is sitting on a goldmine of heritage sites and with the support of the people it has to be preserved for the generations to come.
The Education Minister said that new generation of Kashmiri students have made their mark in every field and they are brimming with confidence. He said the Government is trying to channelize the confidence of these students and translate the same into revival of our tradition of knowledge and crafts. He said in education, Kashmir is making huge strides and students are cracking elite examinations and many are headed to Germany as part of global job market.
Akhtar said hopefully the 25 years of darkness through which Kashmir has travelled will soon come to an end. He asked the German Ambassador to convey to the diplomatic community in New Delhi about hospitality, beauty and safe environment in Kashmir.
The German Ambassador also interacted with students during a question answer session.
Secretary Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Floriculture, Director, Department of Archives and Archeology, state Convener INTACH and other officials were also present on the occasion.
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