Lt Guv urges writers, artists to preserve Jammu’s cultural heritage
Commends JU for its efforts in preserving, promoting region’s cultural ethos
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday called on writers and artists to preserve the rich heritage of Jammu, promote its legacy, and connect the younger generation with their roots.
“Jammu’s traditions in literature, culture, and spirituality have taught us to rise above divisions of caste, creed, and artificial boundaries. The values embedded in our culture embody an ideology that places humanity above all,” Sinha said.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day literary-cultural conclave ‘Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam’, organised by the University of Jammu.
The two-day conclave features cultural processions, stalls showcasing indigenous attire, handicrafts, traditional cuisines, books and artworks, panel discussions, and a series of activities highlighting the region’s unique identity, languages, folklore, customs, creativity, and literary heritage.
Sinha commended the university for its efforts in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural ethos and for making its mark among the country’s top institutions.
Sinha said that a society shaped by its abundant literary and cultural wealth determines both its identity and future.
He urged participants to reflect during the festival on the shared identity that binds society and instils a deep sense of belonging.
“True confluence of culture and literature means engaging with the soil through diverse art forms and infusing new resonance into society’s soul,” he said.
Paying homage to eminent literary figures and cultural icons, Sinha emphasised that a region’s identity is not defined solely by economic progress but also by its stories, songs, and the vibrant creativity of its artisans.
He described folk arts and literature as the “living vitality” of Jammu.
“Our folk traditions do not dwell in libraries; they thrive in writers’ quills, singers’ songs, folk dance footprints, and artists’ brushes,” he said.
Calling upon the youth to actively serve literature and culture, the L-G said these traditions carry the living legacy of values passed down through generations and promote inclusiveness.
He observed that safeguarding language preserves collective memory, while nurturing regional art forms builds self-confidence within society.
“Let us focus on local tales, dialects, and artistic traditions, for every individual’s identity draws nourishment from these roots. When generations gather to exchange experiences, cultural and literary heritage becomes a living dialogue,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said the society shaped by our abundant literary and cultural wealth will determine who we are and what we can become.
He urged everyone to reflect in this festival of literature and culture on the true identity that binds us and instills a profound sense of belonging.
Paying homage to great luminaries and illustrious literary personalities, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that a region’s identity is not defined merely by economic achievements; it shines through its stories, songs, and the vibrant hues of its artisans. He said that the society’s enlightened minds must recognize folk arts and folk literature as Jammu’s living vitality.
“Let us focus on local tales, dialects, and artistic traditions, for every individual’s identity draws nourishment from these roots. When generations gather to exchange experiences, cultural and literary heritage transcends the past—it becomes a living dialogue,” he further said.
On the occasion, the first edition of Jammu University’s multilingual magazine ‘The Litzine’ was also released.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; eminent journalists Rajkishor, Consulting Editor, Amar Ujala and Shri Jai Prakash Pandey, Editor, Sahitya Tak India Today Group; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research studies; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Prof. Sadaf Shah, Coordinator, Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam; Heads of Departments, faculty members of Jammu University, senior officials, prominent citizens and students in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.
