Bandipora, May 16: Indian Army in collaboration with Government Degree College Gurez is establishing a Shina Cultural Centre in the Gurez Valley to “preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage” of the Dard people.
An army official told Rising Kashmir that Gurez Valley, in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, with its deep-rooted history connected to Dardistan and the unique Shina Language, holds an exceptional identity that deserves to be cherished and celebrated.
“However, the recent developments and socio-economic advancements have led to neglect in preserving the Gurezi and Shina cultures. With this concern in mind, the Shina Cultural Centre is being conceptualized to cater to the needs of the Dards in Gurez,” he said.
As a precursor to the official launch of the centre in August, a workshop on the Shina Culture was organized in the Dawar area of Gurez, the official said, adding that the workshop witnessed the participation of 50 prominent individuals from Gurez, Srinagar, and Delhi.
Dr Musavir from Kashmir University, the chairperson of the workshop, conducted three sessions covering museology for the Shina Cultural Centre, the Shina Language and the Cultural Encyclopedia, he said.
Expressing his thoughts, Principal Degree College Gurez Professor Farooq Ahmad Mir said that this workshop has motivated the Dards of Gurez and provided them with a platform to connect with each other to promote and document the history of Dards.
The initiative has rallied the will of the Dards in Gurez to make this cultural centre a world-class institute and has led to enhanced community engagement for the sustainable growth of the Shina Cultural Centre, Mir said, adding that the establishment of the Shina Cultural Centre aims to promote and safeguard the unique cultural heritage of the Dard people.
It serves as a hub for the preservation, documentation, and celebration of the Shina Language and the diverse traditions and customs of the Gurez Valley, he said.
A local participant said that the workshop has sparked enthusiasm among the Dards, fostering a sense of unity and collective responsibility towards making the cultural centre an esteemed institution.
Another local said that the launch of the Shina Cultural Centre in August will mark a significant milestone in the journey of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Dard community.
It is expected to become a beacon of knowledge, art, and cultural exchange, not only for the Dards but also for visitors from across the globe, he added.
“The efforts of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the local community, exemplify their commitment to nurturing and safeguarding the invaluable cultural legacy of the Dards in Gurez Valley,” he expressed.
