Srinagar, June 04 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy, handicrafts and handloom traditions reflect the soul of India’s ancient civilisation, asserting that preserving this heritage is a collective responsibility, particularly through active participation of the youth.
Addressing the ‘Rang-e-Kashmir Cultural Festival’ at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here, the Lieutenant Governor, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), welcomed artisans, craftsmen, buyers and visitors participating in the festival, which began on May 30.
He said the event has provided a platform to showcase Kashmir’s “anmol” (priceless) handloom and handicraft products and expressed hope that buyers visiting the festival would recognise and appreciate the artistic excellence of local craftsmen.
“I believe Jammu and Kashmir is a land shaped by centuries-old traditions, art and culture, which have always played a vital role in keeping society united,” Sinha said.
He said the strength of any region does not come only from its physical capabilities, but from the richness of its soul and the depth of its traditions.
“Our country, India, is a great civilisation and Jammu and Kashmir, the crown of Bharat, has made a significant contribution to this rich heritage and cultural tradition,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said culture is not merely a relic of the past, but a living force that shapes the present and guides the future.
“Culture is not the root of the past alone; it is a living truth that shapes our present and can pave the way for our future,” he said.
Sinha said master artisans and craftsmen of Jammu and Kashmir have preserved the soul of the region’s heritage for generations, adding that the administration has been continuously working to support them.
“Jammu and Kashmir has artisans who transform ordinary wood into timeless art forms. There are hundreds of such artists who weave thousands of stories of our culture through their craft,” he said.
Referring to his interactions with artisans and workers, the Lieutenant Governor said he had personally witnessed the dedication and creativity of craftsmen associated with traditional arts, handicrafts and music.
He said artists, musicians and craftsmen are the true custodians of the region’s traditions and cultural continuity.
“They are the builders of continuity of our traditions and heritage,” he said.
Describing cultural festivals and heritage events as “living schools,” Sinha said such platforms connect tradition with innovation.
“I see such festivals as institutions of living heritage where traditions and modern aspirations are connected,” he said.
Highlighting the role of youth, Sinha said participation of the younger generation is essential for safeguarding and promoting traditional crafts and cultural practices.
“If we want to preserve our heritage, we must move it forward. One of our biggest responsibilities is to connect the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with handlooms, handicrafts, art and music,” he said.
He said the future of the region’s cultural identity depends on the younger generation and stressed the need to ensure they remain connected with their valuable heritage.
The Lieutenant Governor said several initiatives have been taken in recent years to strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
“In the last few years, many unique products have received GI tagging and several crafts have gained better recognition and market access,” he said.
He added that many new craftsmen have emerged through various employment and promotion schemes, while artisans associated with traditional crafts and the silk industry have also received support from the concerned departments.
Sinha said the administration has undertaken extensive measures to provide artisans with better facilities, market opportunities and institutional support.
Addressing buyers participating in the expo, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to support local artisans by purchasing handmade products.
“You are not merely buying handicraft products, but taking home the priceless heritage of thousands of years of ancient Indian art and craftsmanship,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to initiatives launched over the past five to six years, including ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘One District One Product,’ saying these programmes have significantly improved the business landscape and livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir.
“These efforts have brought positive changes in the lives of many people associated with this sector,” he said, while urging people to actively participate in the development and promotion of the handicrafts and handloom sector in Jammu and Kashmir. —(KNO)