Srinagar, Dec 23 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) Regional Centre in Jammu today, marking a significant step in promoting and preserving the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his congratulations to the IGNCA, artists, writers, researchers, students, and innovators. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai for their contributions to establishing the regional centre in Jammu.
“The folk traditions of Jammu have been a source of enduring values and ideals for society. This new centre will serve as a hub for nurturing cultural virtues, enhancing quality of life, and fostering the growth of time-tested traditional wisdom and knowledge,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with organisations like the IGNCA to promote Jammu & Kashmir’s artistic legacy and to preserve the ancient Vedic oral traditions.
“Our civilisational heritage, rooted in the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world as one family—remains profoundly relevant in today’s global context,” he noted.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted a cultural resurgence in Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He underscored the IGNCA Centre’s role in enriching folk traditions and fostering artistic excellence, particularly among the youth, whose creative potential can significantly impact various sectors.
He also urged collective efforts to disseminate the works of great thinkers and writers, such as Yogini Lalleshwari, Nund Rishi, Habba Khatoon, and others, ensuring their legacy inspires the younger generation.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor applauded IGNCA and the J&K Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) for organising the Toycathon, an initiative encouraging grassroots innovation. He highlighted its role in inspiring students to design toys reflecting local cultural ethos and the lives of regional heroes.
The event also celebrated achievements in education, with the Lieutenant Governor noting that Jammu & Kashmir is leading the nation in implementing the National Education Policy 2020.(KINS)