JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Mata Lalleshwari Cultural Cum Heritage Centre at Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan, Thalwal, Jammu, describing the ₹4.5-crore project as an important initiative to preserve and promote the timeless legacy and teachings of Yogini Lalleshwari.
The project has been sanctioned under the Capex budget and is envisioned as a centre for cultural preservation, spiritual tourism, academic research and the promotion of cultural harmony. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu Kashmir had, since ancient times, been a cradle of sages, saints and seekers of truth.
Sinha said the centre would embody India’s civilisational consciousness and serve as a living repository of Mata Lalleshwari’s philosophy. He said her teachings transcended social divisions and reflected the ideals of tolerance, equality and inner transformation, while her verses continued to inspire generations.
“This project reminds us of our timeless civilisational consciousness. Today, we stand at a significant juncture in our history, where the blessings of our ancestors and their timeless wisdom are converging with the aspirations for a confident, developed and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the centre would go beyond being a physical structure and develop as an institutional platform for cultural preservation. It is envisaged to host exhibitions, translation initiatives and archival facilities, besides fostering fellowships in Kashmir Shaivism. The facility would also provide opportunities for scholars, artists and seekers to engage with and disseminate Lalleshwari’s teachings through modern platforms.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the role of cultural and heritage institutions in preserving civilisational memory and providing society with a sense of direction. He said the proposed centre would reconnect people with their cultural roots while contributing to spiritual tourism and grassroots economic activity by attracting seekers, historians and tourists.
Referring to the challenges of contemporary life, Sinha said the teachings of saints such as Mata Lalleshwari could provide spiritual resources for self-discipline, mental peace and emotional resilience. He also said the centre would empower youth through art and creative expression, promote social harmony and strengthen national integration.
He said the project aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of integrating heritage with development and expressed the view that the centre would emerge as a monument to India’s cultural heritage and a source of national strength.
Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Tejinder Singh, DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums K.K. Sidha, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani, and members of the Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust, along with senior officials, prominent citizens and devotees, attended the ceremony.
