#JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today made a visit to Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex here to take on spot assessment of the progress made on the works of conservation and protection going on for last few years.

On the occasion he was accompanied by Principal Secretary, Culture; Secretary, R&B; Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society; Deputy Commissioner,  Jammu besides other concerned officers.

The Chief Secretary went around different heritage buildings of the complex and took cognizance of the conservation works being carried out there. He enquired about the subsequent plans of the society about adaptive reuse of the structures after their restoration.

Dulloo also emphasised upon the Society to further pace up the work there for completing the same within a minimum timeframe. He maintained that the restoration of heritage is quite a technical work that demands due diligence and highly professional manpower to accomplish the tasks.

He directed for restoring the original magnificence of the complex besides preserving its aesthetic appeal befitting its past glory. He went inside the renovated Darbar Hall currently hosting Dogra Art Museum where he went around different sections observing Numismatics Gallery, Jewellery Section, Archaeology Section and Master Sansarch and Gallery viewing the historical repository of artefacts on display there.

He also took note of the progress made in restoration works being carried out in the structures like Raja Ram Singh’s and Raja Amar Singh Palaces besides the Museum building which is soon going to be completed to host an array of historically valuable antiquities proposed in different parts of this monument.

He also took assessment of the need for development of multi-story parking lot for the ease of visitors besides beautification of courtyard and creation of other amenities in consultation with INTACH here.

The Chief Secretary further made out that together with the part developed under PPP mode the complex is going to be one of the prominent tourist spots here in Jammu city.

He stated that there is no dearth of funds to complete the works on time. He exuded hope that the restoration, conservation and protection works executed currently would be accomplished in next 2 years to make this complex an attractive place to visit.

During this visit the Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta informed about the plans for adaptive reuse of the conserved structures besides other aspects of this mega project.

He gave out that the grand structures behind the complex including Rani Charak Mahal, Pink Hall etc are going to be developed in a PPP mode. He revealed that the Department has invited bids for hiring a transaction advisor for this purpose and soon the work on this project would be taken up here.

The Executive Director, MMJHS, Deepika Sharma gave the overall introduction about the aims and objectives of conservation of this complex. She detailed out the works carried out so far and explained the future reuse plans for different structures to be used as display galleries, museums, library and cultural centres.

It was given out that the first vision document for the conservation of this complex was prepared by INTACH in the year 2008 and a comprehensive master plan was later prepared and approved in 2019.

Primarily, the complex is zoned out in 06 zones including Public Zone, Knowledge Centre, Interpretation & Collection Galleries, Lifestyle, Experiential Spaces and Crafts Bazaar.

It was also revealed that under this Master Plan an amount of Rs 144.15 Cr is to be spent on different sub-projects of this heritage complex.

 It was made out that work on few sub-projects has been completed and the work on other sub-projects is apace for their completion on time.

#JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Chuadhary, today visited Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital here to enquire about the health of persons injured in Kishtwar road accident.

During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister enquired about the condition of the injured. He directed the hospital authorities to provide them the best possible treatment.

He also interacted with the injured persons and assured them best possible medical care would be provided to them.

DDC Chairperson Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister.

No: PR/DI/24/1662/

#SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited Naseembagh, Hazratbal, to pay tributes to the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and former J&K Chief Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, on his 119th birth anniversary.

Popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah is remembered for his visionary leadership and his enduring contributions to Jammu and Kashmir.

He was the father of NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and the grandfather of the party’s Working President and current Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.

In a solemn ceremony held at Naseembagh, the Chief Minister, accompanied by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and other senior party leaders, paid floral tributes at Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s mausoleum.

They also offered Fateha (special prayers) at his grave to honor his legacy and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals he stood for.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reflected on Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s enduring impact on Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “Sher-e-Kashmir’s vision continues to inspire us to work tirelessly for the betterment of our people. Today, we remember his sacrifices and reaffirm our dedication to his ideals of justice, equality, and communal harmony.”

Dr. Farooq Abdullah also expressed his deep respect for his father’s contributions, calling him “a guiding light whose principles will always lead us forward.”

The commemoration programme was attended by senior party leaders, workers, and supporters who gathered to commemorate the life and legacy of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, a towering figure in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

#JAMMU: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, Transport, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Satish Sharma flagged off second edition of Jammu Midnight Marathon from Maulana Azad Stadium here.

The event, organized by Real Time Sports in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, carries the theme “Run for Pride of Jammu” and aims to promote fitness, unity and important causes like safe driving, women’s safety and saving lives.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Satish Sharma said that the Marathon is not just a race, it’s celebration of Jammu’s strength and spirit. He added that this Marathon is a community focused initiative that also encourages fitness and awareness.

The marathon featured four categories including 5 KM Fun Run, 10 KM Challenge Run, Half Marathon (21.1 KM), and Full Marathon (42.2 KM) in which Runners from across the region participated.

During the event, participants were also distributed marathon’s T-shirts to build an excitement among them.

 Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul was also present on the occasion.

Lieutenant Governor presents Kailakh Sanskrit Ratna Award 2024 to Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj

Lauds his stellar contribution towards promotion of Sanskrit and promoting ideals and values of India’s great civilisation

Propagation of all-embracing Indian culture, core values, artistic traditions and the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family” is our priority: LG

India will shape a sustainable, peaceful and progressive world for future generations: LG Sinha

Saints have to be the conscience keepers of the citizens in enabling equity and justice. A social awakening is needed for the society to prosper. It is for each individual of society, intelligentsia, saints to strive to inculcate core values to create a brighter future: LG

LG Says, today India with its rich historical and cultural heritage and its talented human resources is marching towards the goal of developed India by 2047

In this journey, enlightened people from every field, especially scientists and spiritualists, need to come forward and give new impetus to the development process: LG

We need to ensure that the fruits of development percolate to the grassroots. We have to spread the benefits among all our people and manage the process of change with sensitivity: LG

Quest for peace and prosperity call for leadership in every walk of life. Individuals must rise above vested-interest to fulfill the responsibilities: LG Sinha

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27:  Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today presented the Kailakh Sanskrit Ratna Award for the year 2024 to Param Pujya Niranjan Peethadhishwar Shri Shri 1008 Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, at a ceremony organised by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust at Jammu.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor described Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj as an enlightened saint, Yoga Guru and renowned scholar and lauded his stellar contribution towards promotion of Sanskrit and promoting ideals and values of India’s great civilisation.

Swami Ji’s selfless service to Sanskrit and social upliftment is inspiring all of us to rededicate ourselves to strengthen our traditional & cultural values and work for the cause of the society, he said.

At the award ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor shared the government’s resolve, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to preserve and promote India’ rich traditions and cultural heritage.

“Propagation of all-embracing Indian culture, core values, artistic traditions and the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family” is our priority. India will shape a sustainable, peaceful and progressive world for future generations,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that, today India with its rich historical and cultural heritage and its talented human resources is marching towards the goal of developed India by 2047. In this journey, enlightened people from every field, especially scientists and spiritualists, need to come forward and give new impetus to the development process, he added.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the saints, enlightened citizens and the administrative machinery to serve the humanity unitedly.

“Saints have to be the conscience keepers of the citizens in enabling equity and justice. A social awakening is needed for the society to prosper. It is for each individual of society, intelligentsia, saints to strive to inculcate core values to create a brighter future,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor further called for collective efforts to ensure that the fruits of development percolate to the grassroots and spread the benefits among all people and manage the process of change with sensitivity.

“Quest for peace and prosperity call for leadership in every walk of life. Individuals must rise above vested interest to fulfill the responsibilities,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also commended the valuable contribution of Mahant Rohit Shastri and Shri Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan Trust for promoting and popularizing Sanskrit Language through its various endeavours like Mobile Sanskrit Gurukul, Saral Sanskrit Bodh publication, Kartavya Path magazine etc.

Sh Sham Lal Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly; Prof BN Tripathi, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu; Mahant Rohit Shastri, President, Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust; senior officials, spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations, prominent citizens and students were present.

No: PR/DI/24/1570/

#JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dullo, today described Jammu and Kashmir as an abode to varied cultures and traditions abundantly blessed with unique and exquisite artefacts and creations which symolizes unity in diversity.

Atal Dulloo stated this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of an exclusive heritage exhibition of over 500 exquisite artefacts of historical and cultural significance, organised by the Kala Kendra Society, Jammu, on the eve of World Heritage Day at Abhinav Theatre.

The Chief Secretary, while speaking on the occasion, exhorted upon the younger generation to visit the museums and monuments of their region to know and understand about our historic legacy and cultural blend. He maintained that the J&K’s rare and extraordinarily enchanting culture and heritage besides its splendid natural grandeur fascinates the whole world. This blessing can be utilized in numerous ways to boost the tourism industry here thus rasing the UT’s economic tremendously.

Dulloo said that the exhibition has been keenly designed to provide a platform to the private collectors dedicated towards preserving objects of heritage significance. He reiterated his commitment towards preservation of J&K’s heritage legacy while elaborating on the scheme being implemented for revival, restoration and protection of UT’s cultural inheritance.

The participating collectors and curators included Suresh Abrol, Director Shahvat Art Gallery, Jammu, Inder Singh, Director Himalayan Heritage Museum and Anil Pada, representing Amar Santosh Museum and Art Gallery, Udhampur.

Principal Secretary, Culture and School Education, Suresh Kumar Gupta, Secretary in Culture Department, Deepika K. Sharma, Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Harvinder Kour attended the event.

Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary Kala Kendra Society, highlighted the objective and importance of the Heritage exhibition.

The exhibition’s key attractions included rare exhibits from Kashmir School of Paintings, ancient copper utensils, manuscripts inscribed on Birch Bark (Bhojpatra), original text of Rajatarangini, an ancient historical chronicle, coins from the Kushan, Dogra, Sikh and British periods.

The event was a resounding success, drawing attention to the region’s rich cultural heritage and the invaluable contribution of private collectors in its preservation.

#JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with the District Administration Jammu on Sunday organized a spectacular Devotional and Cultural Night as part of the ongoing Jhiri Mela 2024.

The event featured mesmerizing performances by renowned artists Lakhwinder Wadali, Ravi Raghuvanshi and Sonali Dogra, besides artists from JKAACL, who captivated the audience with their soulful melodies and vibrant cultural presentations.

Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, paid obeisance to Baba Jitto Ji, honoring his enduring legacy of devotion and sacrifice.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with thousands of attendees celebrating the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu. It provided a vibrant platform to showcase local talent alongside celebrated artists, reinforcing the cultural ethos of the region.

Prominent dignitaries gracing the occasion included DDC Chairman Jammu, Bharat Bhushan, MLA Marh Surinder Bhagat, Director Tourism, Vivekanand Rai, and Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Sharma Mehta, who were the special guests of the evening.

Also present were Deputy Director Tourism Jammu Savita Chauhan, SDM Marh Ather Amin Zargar, Deputy Secretary I&C Ajay Salan and Additional SP Brijesh Sharma, who added to the grandeur of the event.

Adding a special touch to the evening, souvenirs crafted by Jammu Tourism were presented to singer Lakhwinder Wadali by Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta.

Expressing his gratitude, Lakhwinder Wadali wholeheartedly thanked the Tourism Department for inviting him to be part of the event. In his message, he said, “It is an honor to perform at such a significant occasion. I invite everyone to come to Jammu, witness its grand beauty, pay obeisance to Shri Baba Jitto Ji, and explore the region’s religious and other prominent destinations.”

The Jhiri Mela 2024, spanning from 14 November to 24 November, continues to attract visitors with its diverse cultural programs, devotional activities, and vibrant exhibitions.

LG says, the sacrifice of Baba Jitto continues to inspire the society to work towards a stronger nation

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the Jhiri Mela and paid obeisance to Baba Jitto at his Samadhi in Jhiri Village. He said, the sacrifice of Baba Jitto continues to inspire the society to work towards a stronger nation.

At Jhiri Mela ground, the Lt Governor addressed a large gathering of farmers and devotees. He announced that Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections will be held soon.

Highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Jhiri Mela, the Lieutenant Governor said the annual event reminds us about the sacrifices of our farming families and their vital role in serving and nurturing humanity.

“Jhiri Mela symbolizes cultural unity of India and the tradition tied in the thread of social values provides an opportunity to the people to learn about our heritage, culture, art and craft,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor shared the resolve of the government, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to transform the agriculture sector.

“Empowering farmers of the Union Territory of J&K is my mission and we have taken strategic steps to accelerate transformation in agriculture & allied sectors. We will ensure our youth in rural areas get equal opportunities to shine,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated his commitment to protect the rights of displaced families of POJK, West Pakistan Refugees, tribals, Valmikis and other deprived sections.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated progressive farmers, and officials engaged in the conduct of Jhiri Mela.  He also visited the stalls put up by the government departments, Agri-entrepreneurs and farmers. The event also featured impressive performances by the artists showcasing the rich art and culture of the region.

Sh Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, DDC Jammu; Sh Anand Jain, ADGP, Jammu; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sh Surinder Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Marh; Sh Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, senior officials, and people from all walks of life were present.