Gurez, Aug 06: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the two-day National Tribal Festival at Gurez today, celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Dard-Shina tribal community. Highlighting the government’s commitment to uplifting tribal communities, he praised the transformative progress achieved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has restored dignity and fostered empowerment for tribal populations across India.
Addressing the gathering virtually, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Decades of injustice against tribals ended in August 2019. Since then, transformative initiatives have improved the socio-economic landscape for our tribal brothers and sisters.”
LG Sinha also highlighted a significant milestone for Gurez: the region was connected to the power grid for the first time in 2023, ending decades of energy isolation since independence.
The festival honors the vibrant culture of the Dard-Shina community, whom the Lieutenant Governor described as “one of the most precious treasures of India.” He praised their deep-rooted connection with nature and their efforts to preserve age-old traditions and rituals.
“The Dard-Shina community’s rich traditions are a guiding light for us. Their close bond with nature has shaped a unique culture and set of values, imparting a powerful lesson on living sustainably and harmoniously with the environment,” he said.
In a landmark development, LG Sinha dedicated the ShinaGilgit 88.8 FM Radio Station to the Dard-Shina community. Calling it a vital platform to amplify local voices and preserve indigenous knowledge, he urged the station to produce programs showcasing the community’s oral histories, customs, and natural heritage.
“This new community radio must carry the voice of Gurez — its natural beauty, artistic heritage, and cultural strength — to audiences across the country,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also noted Gurez’s emergence as a favored offbeat tourist destination, celebrated for its serene landscapes and picturesque villages. He expressed hope that the community radio would reflect and promote the region’s natural, artistic, and cultural wealth.
LG Sinha further appreciated the Indian Army, Tribal Affairs Department, district administration, and voluntary organizations for their dedication to preserving the priceless cultural heritage of the Dard-Shina people.
The festival featured captivating performances by artists from Jammu & Kashmir and other states under the banner of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, earning special praise from the Lieutenant Governor.
During the event, members of the tribal community and Indian Army personnel were honoured for their contributions to society.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Nazir Ahmad Khan, MLA from Gurez; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri,; PrasannaRamaswamy G, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department; Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora; senior officials from security forces, civil and police administration, and a large number of local residents.
