National Heritage Trek Expedition

National Heritage Trek Expedition 2012 commenced these days with the primary batch of fifty trekkers flagged off by President Youth Hostels of Association of India (YHAI), M.S. Pandit.

The trekking expedition has been organised by Youth Hostels of Association of India in collaboration with Directorate of Education and Tourism Jammu, District Administration and Patnitop Developmental Authority.

While addressing the trekkers, Mr. Shafi said "we in Youth Hostelling Movement believe in "Wandering we tend to gather honey" which is why we tend to are promoting such adventurous activities throughout the world". He said that Youth Hostelling promotes the participation of youth belonging to lower middle income cluster in such activities by providing them facilities at no profit no loss basis. He said that the National Heritage Trek has brought Udhampur on the tourist map of India and is marching ahead to seek out an area within the international tourist map for journey connected activities.

He any said that it absolutely was a holistic programme aimed toward creating the trekkers physically match, mentally alert and socially helpful. He any said that a lot of interventions like understanding of the planet and also the universe, the flora and fauna, the wild life, temperament development and awareness concerning Right to data Act are added to create the programme additional helpful and additional engaging. He any said that YHAI can open additional avenues for trekking within the State just like the Mughal Route, the seven lake of Pir Panchal Ranges etc.

District Development Commissioner Udhampur, P. K Pole, said that with the exception of different edges trekking expedition can promote National Integration to a larger extent. He assured that the District Administration would offer all doable logistic support for this programme. He any asserted that YHAI ought to take initiative to reveal additional areas of the district like Dudu Basantgarh and Ramnagar for such activities.

Chairman YHAI, J&K State branch, Padam Shree S. P. Verma, explained that the programme has succeeded year when year and currently the quantity of trekkers from outside the State has increased from sixty to over 225 throughout 2012. He any said that efforts are created to encourage the foreign trekkers to participate during this programme.

State Director journey Promotion, YHAI, J & K State Branch, K. K. Gandotra explained that the trekkers can move from Udhampur to Lander in bus via Krimchi temples, Kainth Gali, Deoder Forest Panchari and then trek to Sanasar Nathatop, Patnitop, Mantalai via Karla Temple, Gauri Kund and Sudhmahadev where they're going to be sensitized concerning the Flora and Fauna of the state. mountain climbing, rappelling, cricket match and temperament development would be the a part of the programme, he added.

Among others, Chief government Officer, PDA, Dr. Raman Kesar, Chief Education Officer, O.P Sharma, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anil Amla, officers of YHAI were gift on the occasion.

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World Heritage Day celebrated

Like other parts of the country, World Heritage Day was also observed in the Valley and in this connection a grand function was organized by Academy of Art, Culture and Languages,. Besides a seminar, the century old price less documents, rare manuscripts, Art objects miniatures and calligraphy specimen were exhibited on the occasion.

The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon was the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Samoon highlighted the importance of organizing such functions and emphasized for preserving the historical and priceless centuries old monuments, documents heritage sites etc. He said "we should be proud on our rich heritage, which is rare in the world." He said, the State is very rich in natural heritage along the corners of the State. He said no doubt, several monuments have been renovated and restored in their original glory yet there are certain things on which we should focus now and it is the responsibility of the whole community, especially civil society members to come forward for giving protection to these.

He further said that during this year, 14 lakh evergreen plants, besides 14000 chinars free of cost have been planted throughout the Valley by involving the educational institutions and others. He said the chinar tree is our identification and nobody would be allowed to damage these trees.

Meanwhile Inspector General of Police SM Sahai advised the students to develop taste for the heritage and its preservation.

IGP Kashmir was speaking in a function organized by the Directorate of Tourism on World Heritage week at SKICC, Srinagar.

He said that the perseverance of heritage should not be misinterpreted as only to preserve old buildings but it is also about culture, traditions, language as well as cuisine. IGP stressed upon the students to take up the subjects of humanities besides science as that will give them better understanding of significance of preservation of heritage.

Director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah, Ex DG Tourism Saleem Beigh, Principal of Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar also attended the function.

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All India Heritage Painters Camp at Mubarak Mandi

The historic Mubarak Mandi, especially the newly renovated Foreign and Military Office Complex, came alive with an assembly of the tribe of contemporary painters who will be giving shape to their creative works in the background of Dogra Heritage, here, for seven days.

The artists from different parts of the country are participating in the 'All India Painters' Heritage Camp', which has been organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, on the occasion of World Heritage Day.

Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State, Tourism and Culture who inaugurated 7 day long All India Heritage Painting camp, in his address listed some of the measures being taken by the tourism department for protection and preservation of Mubarak Mandi and other heritage sites in the State. He said this heritage site is being renovated to bring it to its pristine glory and making it a star attraction for the visiting pilgrims and tourist.

In his welcome address Atal Dulloo, Commissioner/ Secretary, Tourism and Culture, said that the aim of holding such a camp in the heritage site is to create awareness among the people about the importance of heritage sites, its preservation and protection so that the posterity knows the values of the society prevalent that time.

The artists who are participating in the camp are Manoon Nomani, Delhi, Raghu Naware, Maharahtra, Sankari Mitra, Delhi, Amit Harit, Rajasthan, Neraj Bakshi, Delhi, Him Chaterjee, Himchal Pradesh, Subhash Anand, K K Gandhi, Vijay Saraf, Rohit Verma-Jammu, Rajinder Patwari, UP, Rajan Fullari, Goa, Arshad Sualeh, Noushad Gayoor, Mohd Yusuf Bacha and Mohd Yousf Naqishbandi -Kashmir.

Talking to Jk News, Sankari Mitra from Delhi, said that it was unique experience for her to work in such a heritage environs.

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Three Day Heritage Fair begins at Kala Kendra

Ethnic vibrancy of Gujjar-Bakerwal culture, heritage on show

Three-day Gujjar Heritage Fair, the first of its kind exposition of culture and tradition of noble nomads of the state, started at the Kala Kendra, here today.

Organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the exclusive event showcasing richness of the ethnic way of life of Gujjar and Bakerwals through exhibition of costumes, jewelry, artifacts and objects of daily use, along with age-old legacy of folk lore, music as well as Gojri contemporary literature published so far, is being considered as community’s mega cultural event in modern times.

The must-see event not only provided a glimpse into the unique ethnic practices and vibrancy of nomadic community wherein form and function combine in an inimitable blend of aesthetic and functionality, but also drew attention towards an urgent need to preserving it for posterity.

The three-day mega cultural event was inaugurated by Mian Altaf, Minster for Forests and Environment, and Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Minster of State of for Hajj and Auqaf, Mushtaq Ahmed Sayed Bukhari, Vice Chairman, Advisory Board for Pahari Speaking People, Jahangir Mir, MLC, Atal Dullo, Commissioner, Tourism & Culture and Secretary Academy, were also present on the occasion.

Congratulating the Academy and Dr Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor, Gojari, for the historic initiative, Mian Altaf, in his address said that such exhibitions not only provide a peep into the rich cultural treasures of the community but also will also help in a great way to orient the new generation of the Gujjars and Bakerwals with their roots.

Echoing similar sentiments Aijaz Ahmed Khan, said that the show was energetic, colorful and exciting. He said Academy should preserve this for all generations to come. Terming the heritage fair as ‘a nice effort’, Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari said that such events were needed and should be held at regular intervals.

Atal Dulloo in his welcome address described the event as first of its kind in recent times and said that the Academy would continue the tradition of holding such events in future also.

Dr Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor Gojri, said we are documenting all the shades of Gujjar identity especially the tradition of nomads which are dying down due to onslaught of globalisation. Mohammed Mansha Khaki, senior editor Gojri, presented vote of thanks.

Inaugural session was followed by ‘meet the eminent contemporary’ programme with founder editor of Gojri, Choudhary Naseem Poonchi, which was presided over by former secretary Academy N D Sharma, Fazal Mushtaq and Choudhary Gulzar Khatana. A dance show was also held on the occasion. The NGOs which also participated in the Heritage Fair included Gurjardesh Charitable Trust, Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Majlis-un Nissa, Sopore, Kashmir and Abrol Manuscripts, Rare Book Library, Jammu. While the exhibition’s display was done by well-known sculptor Chander Prakash.

The prominent personalities present on the occasion were Farooq Nazki, Media advisor to Government, N D Jamwal, Prof Rita Jitendra, Rajinder Tikku, Aiyaz Rasool Nazaki, and Prof Zahoor-ud-Din. The three-day festival would culminate on March 21.

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Mubark Mandi restoration marked by delay

Preserving the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of Dogra rulers in Jammu and Kashmir is proving to be a daunting task for the Omar Abdullah-led coalition Government.Despite submitting detailed project reports (DPR) prepared by INTACH- the leading consultants in the field of art and cultural heritage — to the Indian Government, the State Government has nothing much to boast of in its report card.

Against the projected demand of approximately Rs 300 crore required for maintenance of this heritage complex till date the Centre has released a small amount  of Rs 3 crore against a sanctioned amount of Rs 4.37 crore to carry out renovation and restoration work of High Court complex and Army headquarter building.

“State Government constituted a committee, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society (MMHS) in 2006 with the sole objective of restoring the pristine grandeur of royal buildings but all in vain as till date nothing more has been done to save this historical complex,” says a local resident.

The 13th Finance Commission has recommended Rs 50 crore for the conservation of this important project but the State Government is yet to receive its first installment to expedite the renovation work.

“Although, the State Government was expected to get a lions’ share of Rs 25.42 crore from the Ministry of Tourism for its mega project consisting of renovation work of four heritage buildings but it is still awaiting formal sanction,” sources in MMHS added.

Sources further claimed that after constituting the heritage society, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was also appointed for preparing a vision document, and had submitted proposals to the tune of Rs 232.92 crore to renovate. Whereas after including the cost of conservation of basements and other buildings, the total cost of the project was pegged at Rs 296 crore (approximately).

The residents of the area now fear that the mighty complexes, which were the insignia of the royal memorabilia and seat of governance for the erstwhile Dogra rulers, will fade into oblivion, if corrective measures are not initiated to remove the illegally parked vehicles.

When contacted, MMHS, AK Sharma said, “After INTACH submitted its DPR, we had received a sum of Rs 3 crore for High Court complex and Army headquarters building from the Centre. The Archaeological Survey of India had carried out the renovation or restoration work but at present the conservation work in the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex is completely on hold in the absence of receipt of money.”

“Moreover, the work of wooden paneling on the roof of complex is still incomplete; this work needs special architecture and money. Till, the government sanctions enough money the work would remain stalled by ASI and result would be delaying of the entire project” he maintained.

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Gojri folk music Festival

In a bid to expose the younger generation of Gujjar community to their rich folk musical heritage, a State level folk music bonanza was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at the auditorium of Gujjar Desh Trust for Cultural Heritage, here today.

Today’s program specially aimed for the city based Gujjar children, who are fast moving away from their tribal mooring in the light of present day flux of change and globalization, showcased rich treasure of folk songs that were rendered by leading groups and individuals draw from the divisions of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the occasion, Impressed by the scintillating performance of folk artistes and the hearty response by the Gujjar children, the chief guest of the function Choudhary Bashir Ahmed Naz, Vice Chairman J&K Sate Advisory Board for Development of Gujjar and Bakerwal, said that Board will support holding of such festivals in all districts of the State. He also suggested holding of mega folk musical concerts in capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu. He said Board would also give financial assistance to organizations like Cultural Academy or others to make feature films in Gojari language. Earlier, Dr Javaid Rahi, HoD, Gojri Section of State Cultural Academy, in his welcome address said that the purpose of holding such festival was to reach out to the new generation of the community and introduce the rich cultural heritage of Gujjars.He said it was first of its kind effort of the Cultural Academy to collaborate with NGOs like Gujjar Desh Trust which is working for the promotion and development of Gujjar culture and heritage.

He said Academy’s emphasis is upon audio-visual documentation of folk artistic treasure so as to preserve the heritage that stands threatened by the challenges of globalization and satellite channels.

About 50 artistes from different parts of the State performed on the occasion. Prominent among them included Bashir Mastana, Begum Jan and party, Razia Begum and party, Tasleema Choudhary and party, Rukhsana Choudhary and group, Gulam Mohammad Dansalia and party. Shameema Akhtar Janbaaz, Additional Secretary, Cultural Academy presented the vote of thanks. 

Dying Heritage of Srinagar

Passing by Valleyites watch the dying heritage

Passing by the old city of Kashmir, one can clearly see the reckless attitude of the government and people towards Kashmir’s priceless heritage.Old city or Sher-e-Khas, which is the oldest developed area of the whole Kashmir, holds rich heritage not only in the form of customs and traditions but as architecture as well. Ancient shrines and mosques are spread across the city. Though most of them are well maintained, the heritage residential houses are ignored.Hundreds of heritage buildings and houses stretched across Khanyar, Raniwari, Zanikadal, Habba Kadal, Fate kadal and other prominent parts of old city are in deplorable condition.

Many of them have been bulldozed while others are left to decay with time.Where government has shown negligence to the protection and maintenance of the heritage buildings, their owners completely derelict them. No sense of social responsibility is displayed by the citizens.Abdul Salaam, originally a resident of Zaina Kadal owns a heritage house build by his grand father in late 1800’s. But the house, made in wood and mud, is gradually ripping apart into masses of dust.

“It is a very old house. We have abandoned it some 30 years back. It is of no use,” said Salaam. Salaam says since the house is not in use, “spending money on its maintenance is useless.”Many new structures have also come up in place of heritages buildings.Mohammad Shafi of Khanyar dismantled half of his ancestral house to build a news one.“The old house was not safe. It didn’t have sufficient safe to accommodate my two sons and their families. So had to built a new on,” adds Mohammad Shafi who says that his new construction was not objected by anyone.

As the heritage buildings face threat, the imperative part of Kashmir history and heritage is wiped off. “We are least bothered about our heritage and culture. We are forgetting our cultural values and destroying our heritage,” said Majid Hassan, a college lecturer.He views that destruction of heritage means destruction of identity. “Heritage and culture are our identity. When we lose them, we lose our identity,” he added Shabana Khan, a student of sociology view that efforts have to be made by people to preserve heritage and culture “We all are a part of our culture and heritage. It is our collective responsibility to save it, more than that of government.”

Buddhist Heritage in Ambaran Jammu

Jammu’s Buddhist heritage awaits Dalai Lama

Jammu’s Buddhist heritage awaits Dalai Lama who will be visiting on November 16, at the world famous archaeological site of Ambaran, near Akhnoor.

The eagerly awaited visit of the Tibetan Buddhist leader to more than two thousand years old architectural remains of a huge Buddhist monastic complex at Ambaran is being considered as a historic event by the natives of Akhnoor as well as Jammuites.

His Holiness, the spiritual leader of millions of Buddhists, had evinced interest to visit Ambaran, after watching at New Delhi last year, a photo exhibition of architectural remains and artifacts unearthed from Jammu’s world famous Buddhist archaeological site.

The experts of Archaeological Survey of India observed that the visit of Dalai Lama will not only give due recognition to rich and vibrant Buddhist past of Jammu but also draw attention of national and international tourists to this ancient Buddhist monastic complex at Ambaran.

A living religious center of Buddhism for more than 600 hundred years from 2nd century BCE to 5th- 6th century CE, Ambaran is located five kilometers upstream from Akhnoor, on the right bank of Chenab. It drew attention of the world when Ambaran and the nearby hamlet, were known as place of origin of the world famous terracotta sculptures popularly known as Akhnoor terracotta heads.

Presently displayed in all leading museums of the country and abroad, these exquisitely modeled heads of Bodhisattvas and other characters from Jatakas; the stories of previous births of the Buddha, served as decorations of outer walls of the monastic complex as grand sculptural panels in baked clay.

Prof Baidnath Labh of Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Jammu, said that it seems that Buddhism came to Jammu during the lifetime of Buddha and later on it was established in Kashmir and further to Central Asia. The monastic complex at Ambaran is one such material proof, he said.

His Holiness Dalai Lama, upon his arrival on November 16 morning at Jammu airport will proceed to Kala Kendra Jammu to witness a photo exhibition of artistic finds from Ambaran. He will then leave for Ambaran to visit the Buddhist archaeological site where foundations of a Kushana period eight-spoked stupa and a 3rd-4th century BCE stupa, which had revealed a casket containing relics of some great religious personality and two small votive stupas have been unearthed by Srinagar Circle of Archaeological Survey of India.