Sopore, Nov. 25: The enduring dream of the late renowned educationist Atiqa Bano spanning four decades materialised with the soft inauguration of the Meeras Mahal building in north Kashmir’s Sopore town on Saturday.
Meeras Mahal stands as the first-ever private museum in the Kashmir Valley, meticulously curated by the late Atiqa Bano herself, showcasing the life and customs of rural Kashmir in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The museum collection encompasses a diverse array of artefacts, including terracotta, woodwork, wicker and grassware, metalwork, jewellery, manuscripts, ancient ornaments, coins, traditional dresses, and utensils, displayed across five galleries, two of which were activated during the soft inauguration today.
Dignitaries present at the event included Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore Shabir Ahmad Raina, Former Chief Secretary J&K State Mohammad Shafi Pandith, Bar Association Sopore Advocate Faisal Amin, Jaspreet Kaur President Span Foundation, Nighat Shafi (Help Foundation President), Mohd Amin Bhat President Adbi Makaz Kamraaz, Former Secretary Cultural Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, Former MC President Masrat Rasool Kar, Chairman Traders Federation Sopore Haji Anaytullah Hajini, Trade President Haji Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, Industrial President Javeed Bhat, among others.
The speakers illuminated the life and accomplishments of Atiqa Bano, underscoring her role in preserving the identity and rich history of Kashmir. They highlighted the efforts invested in renovating the museum building and pledged commitment to activating the remaining galleries in the future.
The Meeras Mahal Museum boasts over 7,000 artefacts, providing insights into the cultural heritage of the Kashmir valley. These artefacts were integral to daily life in Kashmir until the end of the twentieth century.
ADC Sopore expressed pride in having this museum in the town, highlighting its potential to attract national and international tourists. He assured the museum team of the administration’s support in ensuring its success.
Jaspreet Kaur, CEO of the Span Foundation, urged the people to adopt the museum as a cultural house and contribute to making it a major tourist attraction. She highlighted its strategic location between Kupwara, Gurez and Uri, envisioning it as a potential tourism hub.
Former MC President Musarat Rasool Kar conveyed gratitude for her close association with the family of the late Atiqa Ji. She acknowledged Atiqa Ji’s significant role in strengthening the education sector in Sopore and her efforts towards developing Meeras Mahal.
Musarat extended thanks to the CEO Span Foundation for their generous financial support, making the soft inauguration of this building possible. She recognised their crucial contribution, emphasizing its value for the town, especially for future generations.
Former Secretary Cultural, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, expressed joy in finally realizing Atiqa Ji’s dream after 40 years. He explained the significance of the soft inauguration and expressed gratitude for making the dream come true.
The soft inauguration of Meeras Mahal represents a substantial milestone in preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage, fulfilling the long-held dream of the late Atiqa Ji.
