JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday urged practitioners of literature and arts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Jammu Division, promote its legacy and connect the younger generation to their roots.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the two-day literary-cultural conclave Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam, organised by the University of Jammu, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu’s traditions in literature, culture and spirituality have long taught society to rise above divisions of caste, creed and artificial boundaries.
“The values embedded in our culture embody an ideology that places humanity above all,” he said, adding that the society shaped by abundant literary and cultural wealth will determine who we are and what we can become.
Commending the University of Jammu for its commitment to preserving and promoting the region’s cultural ethos, the Lieutenant Governor said such initiatives help the institution make its mark among the country’s top universities. He urged people to reflect on the true identity that binds society and instills a strong sense of belonging.
He emphasised that a region’s identity is not defined merely by economic achievements but also through its stories, songs and the vibrant works of artisans. “Our folk traditions do not dwell in libraries; they thrive in writers’ quills, singers’ songs, folk dance footprints and artists’ brushes and pigments,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to serve literature and culture, he said safeguarding languages preserves memories while nurturing regional art forms strengthens self-confidence and identity.
The two-day conclave features cultural processions, stalls showcasing indigenous attire, handicrafts, traditional cuisines, books and arts, along with panel discussions and activities highlighting the region’s languages, folklore, customs and creativity.
On the occasion, the first edition of The Litzine, a multilingual magazine of the University of Jammu, was also released.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; eminent journalists Rajkishor, Consulting Editor, Amar Ujala, and Jai Prakash Pandey, Editor, Sahitya Tak, India Today Group; Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; and Sadaf Shah, Coordinator of Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam.
Heads of departments, faculty members of the University of Jammu, senior officials, prominent citizens and a large number of students also attended the inaugural ceremony.
