Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 22 : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir denotes a civilization of par excellence with pluralistic ethos and amity in diversity.
“Preservation of heritage, culture, art, literature, history and memorabilia serves as authenticated credentials for present and future generations to study and learn about a people and their life style”, he said.
Laying foundation of Tehzeeb Mahal (Heritage House) here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is a complete treasure of such memorabilia which can be properly displayed in the coming up Tehzeeb Mahal for all to witness and get educated.
The Chief Minister said that recently Cultural Academy unveiled a bit of its treasure by displaying historic, rear and ancient works of Quranic calligraphy in an exhibition here which mesmerized the visitors. “There are numerous such works of art, culture, literature, languages and heritage preserved in Cultural Academy. Tehzeeb Mahal would be most appropriate for displaying these for public”, he said, adding that this complex could also serve as an important centre for literary conferences and meetings.
Omar Abdullah said that his Government is extending all support to the Cultural Academy to expand and strengthen its activities for development, preservation and showcasing of State’s rich cultural heritage. “I told the Secretary Academy, Khalid Bashir that the Government would be with him in his efforts to groom writers, poets, artists, painters, sculptors and others associated with State’s art, culture and languages”, he said, adding that the Cultural Academy has also been asked to showcase the State’s rich cultural heritage in various parts of the country.
The Chief Minister also referred to the newly constructed Museum at Srinagar and said that he has asked the concerned agency to complete its internal requirements pertaining to the display of historic valuables in a befitting manner and making the security foolproof. He said the Tourism Department has already taken measures in this direction. He expressed the hope that the museum would be shortly opened.
Omar Abdullah said that he has asked the Tourism Department to formulate a calendar with Cultural Academy for holding various events of cultural programmes utilizing the already completed amphitheatres across the Valley. “This would provide added attraction to the visitors visiting the State during tourist season”, he said.
Minister for Housing and Culture Raman Bhalla also spoke on the occasion and said that all out efforts will be made to promote culture.
In his welcome address, Secretary Cultural Academy, Khalid Bashir said that blending tradition with technology, the Rs. 64.89 crore 3-storeyed Tehzeeb Mahal project will be a modern cultural complex in traditional architecture and state-of-the-art facilities related to art and culture.
The Secretary Cultural Academy said that the building will have special architectural finishes in tune with local heritage architecture including maharaji bricks, deji dewari look, devri stone cladding, khatamband ceiling, pinjra and jaffri work, paper machie and sozni work on walls and log bridge and heritage fort wall.
Noted writer Padam Shree Rehman Rahi presented vote of thanks and highlighted the significance of Tehzeeb Mahal project for the growth, development and preservation of State’s rich art, culture, languages and heritage.
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