Srinagar, June 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the ageless and rich cultural tradition of Jammu and Kashmir is blessed by Rishi, Sufi mystics and has provided intellectual inspiration to the entire world. He advised artistes, intellectuals and authors to become ambassadors of change in the society.
“With every passing day, our beloved valley strides steadfastly towards progress, its trajectory guided by the wisdom bestowed upon us by the revered Sufi saints. The powerful vision and transformative teachings of luminaries like Lal Ashwini, Nund Reshi, Haba Khatoon, and Bulbul Shah have woven a tapestry of spirituality, fostering a harmonious blend of faith, culture, and artistic expression.”
He was speaking at 9th edition of the prestigious Harmony India Awards-2023 hosted by The Harmony Cultural Foundation on Sunday at Tagore hall, Srinagar.
The event, held for the first time in Kashmir valley, unfolded as a resplendent celebration of the extraordinary talents of Jammu and Kashmir, honouring 21 exceptional individuals who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields.
Addressing the gathering of artistes and litterateurs’ at Tagore Hall Srinagar, LG Sinha said “With every brushstroke, every melody, every pen stroke, and every act of service, they have enriched our cultural heritage, propelled us towards progress, and inspired generations to dream beyond the horizon. Their unwavering dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence serve as a testament to the resilience and potential that reside within each one of us”.
He astutely remarked, “Even the most advanced artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, cannot replicate the profound verses crafted by these great souls. The wisdom encapsulated in their words transcends the realms of technology, touching the hearts of all who embrace their teachings.”
LG Sinha further emphasized the richness of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, alluding to ancient texts such as the Geetaji and Vedas, which have permeated the fabric of society, guiding generations with their profound insights. He proudly said, ” In every district, literature festivals and other cultural celebrations abound, nurturing a love for the written word, promoting dialogue, and fostering intellectual growth,”.
“Earlier, there used to be small programs as well, but people are thinking of converting their villages into book villages. Recently in Bandipora district, on the banks of Wular lake, people designated the village as a book village in coordination with district administration,” he said.
Congratulating the award winners, LG Sinha said vibrant art and culture ecosystems are essential ingredients for all round development of a society. We need a combined strength of socio-economic growth, infrastructure, new technologies and vibrant cultural traditions for prosperity, new ideas and perspectives,” he said.
“There is a need for combining art and culture with technology for future growth. For the holistic development of J&K, it is necessary that we create a fine balance between the sectors of advanced technology and the world of art and culture,” he said.
“Artists should ensure that they become ambassadors of culture, language and literature. They should make it alive and spread it to the entire world,” he said.
While highlighting the journey of J&K UT under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the achievements reflected in infrastructure, cultural vibrancy and inclusive development.
“With each passing day, we strive to create a nurturing environment where the youth of Kashmir can realize their dreams and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing them with abundant opportunities, ensuring that they have access to education, employment, and platforms to showcase their remarkable talents. Their voices, as they resonate with passion and purpose, will reverberate far beyond our borders, captivating the attention of the entire world,” he said.
He said “that tonight, we honour these luminaries, not just for their individual accomplishments, but for the collective impact they have had on our society. They are beacons of hope, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that exist within our midst. Let their stories reverberate across our land, igniting the flames of passion and fortitude in the hearts of the aspiring youth”.
LG Sinha said there are some sections of the society, who want to destroy Jammu and Kashmir through terrorism and drugs. To overcome this challenge, the UT administration is ready for it.
“After the successful G20 event in Kashmir, the world is looking at us. We have to prove that this land of love and peace is ready to contribute its parts to the globe,” he said.
Speaking about the first art exhibition that was held at Polo View, LG said that “we hope that such events should be held every week, for these things people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for a long time”.
Meanwhile, among the coveted accolades presented, the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the esteemed Pran Kishore Kaul, whose exceptional contributions have left an indelible imprint on the region’s cultural landscape.
Recognizing the unparalleled accomplishments of women, Shrimati Nirupama Kotru was honored with the Woman Achievers Award, while Ravinder Pandita, Rohit Bhat, and Pt. Bhajan Sopori were felicitated with the community Icon Award for their exceptional contributions to society.
The Pundit Bhajan Sopori Smriti Samman was posthumously awarded to the illustrious Abdul Rashid Hafiz, commemorating his significant contributions to the realm of arts.
The Harmony India Special Award celebrated the exceptional achievements of Dr. Pawan Suri and Rehmat Rattan, recognizing their remarkable endeavors that have made a positive impact on society. The State Icon Award, an esteemed honor, was bestowed upon Gulzar Ganaie, Ayash Arif, Munir Ahmed Mir, Dr. Satish Vimal, Amin Bhat, and Zeenat Zeeshan Fazil, commending their outstanding contributions in various fields.
In a nod to the vibrant youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadia Tariq and Wajahat Rather were honored with the prestigious Yuva Puruskar, acknowledging their remarkable talent and promising potential in their respective domains.
The evening was enriched by soul-stirring performances that showcased the region’s cultural heritage.
The Harmonies Choir of J&K, led by the gifted Saurabh Zadoo, mesmerized the audience with their rendition of Dina Nath Nadims’ timeless composition, “Soun wattan,” and a captivating medley of Children rhymes.
Adding to the enchantment, the Yamberzal dance group enthralled the spectators with their scintillating performance to Dina Nath Nadims’ “Me chham aash paghuch.”
In the spirit of capturing the essence of the event, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressed his heartfelt admiration for the Harmony India Awards, stating, “The Harmony India Awards in Kashmir mark a historic milestone in recognizing and celebrating the exceptional talents of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Speaking about the initiative, Saurabh Zadoo, the Director of the Harmony Cultural Foundation, said, “The Harmony India Awards have established an unparalleled reputation for recognizing and honoring exceptional individuals from Jammu and Kashmir who have left an indelible mark in their respective domains”.
Presided over by the distinguished Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the award ceremony drew an illustrious gathering of luminaries, including Jitender Singh Shunty, renowned Padma Shri Awardee and Founder of SBSSD; Darakshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Waqf Board; Junaid A Mattoo, the Mayor of Srinagar; Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary of Tourism; and Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary of JKAACL, among other esteemed guests.
