Jammu, March 13 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday urged writers and artists to preserve the rich heritage of the Jammu division, promote its legacy, and connect the younger generation with their roots.
"The traditions in literature, culture, and spirituality of Jammu have taught us to overcome divisions based on caste, religion, and artificial boundaries. The values embedded in our culture represent an ideology that prioritizes humanity above all," Sinha said.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day literary-cultural conclave, "Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam," organized by the Jammu University.
He commended the Jammu University for its commitment to preserving and promoting the region's cultural ethos and for its achievements among the country's top universities.
Sinha said that the society shaped by our abundant literary and cultural wealth will determine who we are and what we can become.
He urged everyone to reflect on the true identity that binds us and instills a profound sense of belonging during this festival of literature and culture.
"The 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 great literary figures, Sinha emphasized that a region's identity is not defined merely by economic achievements; it shines through its stories, songs, and the vibrant art of its artisans.
He said that the enlightened minds of society must recognize folk arts and folk literature as the living vitality of Jammu.
"Our folk traditions thrive in writers' quills, singers' songs, folk dance footprints, and artists' brushes and pigments. With deep responsibility, I call upon everyone, especially the youth, to serve literature and culture. This upholds the living legacy of values passed down through generations, entrusting you not just with an inheritance but also with the duty of its cultural-literary bequest. This tradition teaches us the virtue of inclusion," Sinha added.
He said that safeguarding our language preserves our memories; nurturing regional art forms builds self-assurance.
"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 transcends the past – it becomes a living dialogue," he added.
The two-day literary-cultural conclave features cultural processions, stalls showcasing indigenous attire, handicrafts, traditional cuisines, books, and art, panel discussions, and a series of activities highlighting the region's unique identity, honoring languages, folklore, customs, creativity, and literary heritage.
On the occasion, the first edition of Jammu University's multilingual magazine 'The Litzine' was also released.
Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University; Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu; prominent journalists, Dean of Research Studies; Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Sadaf Shah, Coordinator of Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam; Heads of Departments, faculty members of Jammu University, senior officials, prominent citizens, and a large number of students attended the inaugural ceremony.
