Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Purthu and participated in the ongoing Basohli Mahotsav. He joined the large number of enthusiastic citizens to celebrate the rich heritage of Basohli.
In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the J&K Administration and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) for their collective endeavour to popularize the cultural and historical identity of the region and ingenuity of Basohli’s craft and art.
He said the unique endeavour is aimed to promote workmanship of artists and weavers so that their priceless products are acknowledged and admired globally.
I am extremely grateful to every stakeholder for their contribution in making Basohli Mahotsav the cradle of unique cultural and artistic heritage of the country, he said.
At Basohli, the Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to provide all necessary assistance for promotion of Basohli paintings, Pashmina and other local niche products.
Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are working towards the welfare of artists and artisans who have preserved the priceless heritage and diverse cultural traditions, the Lt Governor said.
He said the uniqueness of Basohli manifests beautifully in world-famous paintings, which infused new dimensions to Pahari Art and created its own distinctive style.
It is also a centre of other creative traditions including Pashmina wool, which is matchless and unique due to production process, delicate weaving and embroidery work on finished products and reflects exemplary skill and artistry, he added.
He said, both the exclusive products ‘Basohli paintings and Pashmina’ have received GI registration to prevent counterfeiting and to ensure access to the global market.
Dedicated efforts are being made to provide better market linkages to local products of Tweed, Phoolkari, Stapple embroidery and Bamboo craft. It is also being ensured that the benefits of development reach the households of the families associated with traditional art and crafts, he said.
The Lt Governor called upon the public representatives, local residents and all stakeholders to complement the government’s efforts to promote tourism and other places of historical importance to tap the economic growth potential of Basohli.
Ramleela of Basohli must be publicized at a larger scale and regular fairs should be organized to attract more footfall in the area, he said.
Responding to the demands projected by public representatives, the Lt Governor said the administration is sensitive to the development needs of the people. He said the Water Sports Centre at Basohli is ready and will be inaugurated soon.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor released a Monograph on Vishwasthali and felicitated the local artists performing at Basholi Utsav.
He visited the stalls put up by the artisans, weavers, entrepreneurs and women folks to showcase the contemporary art, craft and culinary. He also interacted with artisans, craftspeople and students of Chudamani Sansthan.
Earlier, the Lt Governor planted a Rudraksha sapling at Model Higher Secondary School Basohli.
Col. Mahan Singh (Retd), DDC Chairman Kathua; Sh Anand Jain, IGP Jammu; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sh Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; Sh Harbir Singh, Deputy Commissioner Pathankot; Sh Shakti Pathak, DIG Jammu -Samba -Kathua Range; Sh Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary JKAACL; PRI representatives, senior officers and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.
