Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20: Minister for Horticulture, Housing, Culture, Youth Services and Sports, Raman Bhalla has called for collective efforts to preserve the State’s rich heritage and culture ethos for the coming generations.
He said Jammu and Kashmir is land of sufis and saints having unique history based on its multi-reliagious, multi-lingual saga which need to the conserved with the involvement of cross-sections of the society.
The Minister was interacting with a group of Overseas Diaspora Youth who called on him in his office chamber here today.
The group comprising 39 members is on visit to Jammu and Kashmir on an Orientation tour under the “28th Know India Programme” (KIP) sponsored by Union Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. The youth from Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherland, South Africa, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Israel and Sri Lanka are part of the group.
The KIP is a 3-week Orientation Programme for Diaspora Youth participants conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by country in Economic, Industrial, Education, Science & Technology, Communication & Information Technology, Culture and Tourism sectors. The forum provides an opportunity to students and young professionals of Indian origin to visit India, share their views and experiences and to strengthen the bonds of mutual relationship with the contemporary India.
Interacting with the delegates, the Minister besides giving an overview of language, historical, geographical, demographical, ethical and social entities, also highlighted important sectors of the State like agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, adventure sports, traditions, seers, saints, cultural and heritage ethos of the State. He maintained that three regions of the State have their own importance, which has different identities and symbol of Secularism and uniqueness which display unity in diversity.
Maintaining that tourism is the mainstay of State’s economy, Mr. Bhalla said that this sector is contributing a lot as most of the people of the Valley are associated with the activity directly or indirectly. Kashmiri handicrafts are also known for its artistic and grandeur work throughout the World and Government pays adequate attention to promote these, he added.
The Minister called upon the youth to spread the message of peace from Kashmir in their respective countries and reveal their experience with others so that they also visit here to see the nature’s beauty. He urged them to visit again to enjoy the serene beauty of Kashmir in other seasons.
Secretary Tourism, Zaffar Ahmed Bhat asked the youth to visit all important places, museums and get acquainted with the history of the State.
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