Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 14: The Historic Cities Series 2025 – Jammu Edition, a national initiative led by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), began this week with a series of interactive events celebrating Jammu’s rich heritage and living urban memory.
The initiative is being organized in collaboration with DRONAH Foundation, ICOMOS India, Heritopolis, and Altrim Publishers, with local support from Jammu Smart City, INTACH Jammu Chapter, The Law School (University of Jammu), Kala Kendra, Jammu Heritage, and the Devika Project.
The first day featured a heritage walk through the Mubarak Mandi complex, inaugurated by Nagendra Jamwal, Special Secretary to the Chief Secretary, J&K Government.
Led by architect Kushagra Anand, the walk saw participation from students of various departments of the University of Jammu, historians, and heritage enthusiasts.
The participants explored the architectural and cultural evolution of Mubarak Mandi and discussed ways to promote participatory conservation.
Later in the day, a photography exhibition at Kala Kendra was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal.
The exhibition, curated by Dr Mrinalini Atrey and Kushagra Anand, showcased archival visuals and community-led documentation highlighting Jammu’s urban identity.
On the second day, another heritage walk from Purani Mandi to Panchbhaktar Mandir was held, emphasizing civic memory and cultural continuity.
The event concluded at the temple, where Director General of Rural Sanitation Anu Malhotra Puri underlined the importance of community participation in preserving heritage.
Day three featured a storytelling session titled “Echoes from the River” at Panchvaktra Mahadev Temple.
Speakers including Dr Mrinalini Atrey, Vaibhav Sharma, and Nagendra Jamwal shared stories connecting Jammu’s urban history with its sacred traditions.
The Jammu Edition will continue through the week with academic discussions, public lectures, and cultural engagements aimed at linking local heritage with national urban policy.
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