JAMMU, Mar 13: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday called on writers and artists to preserve the rich heritage of Jammu, promote its legacy, and connect the younger generation with their roots.
“Jammu’s traditions in literature, culture, and spirituality have taught us to rise above divisions of caste, creed, and artificial boundaries. The values embedded in our culture embody an ideology that places humanity above all,” Sinha said.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day literary-cultural conclave ‘Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam’, organised by the University of Jammu.
The two-day conclave features cultural processions, stalls showcasing indigenous attire, handicrafts, traditional cuisines, books and artworks, panel discussions, and a series of activities highlighting the region’s unique identity, languages, folklore, customs, creativity, and literary heritage.
Sinha commended the university for its efforts in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural ethos and for making its mark among the country’s top institutions.
Sinha said that a society shaped by its abundant literary and cultural wealth determines both its identity and future.
He urged participants to reflect during the festival on the shared identity that binds society and instils a deep sense of belonging.
“True confluence of culture and literature means engaging with the soil through diverse art forms and infusing new resonance into society’s soul,” he said.
Paying homage to eminent literary figures and cultural icons, Sinha emphasised that a region’s identity is not defined solely by economic progress but also by its stories, songs, and the vibrant creativity of its artisans.
He described folk arts and literature as the “living vitality” of Jammu.
“Our folk traditions do not dwell in libraries; they thrive in writers’ quills, singers’ songs, folk dance footprints, and artists’ brushes,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to actively serve literature and culture, the L-G said these traditions carry the living legacy of values passed down through generations and promote inclusiveness.
He observed that safeguarding language preserves collective memory, while nurturing regional art forms builds self-confidence within society.
“Let us focus on local tales, dialects, and artistic traditions, for every individual’s identity draws nourishment from these roots. When generations gather to exchange experiences, cultural and literary heritage becomes a living dialogue,” he added. (Agencies)
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