Omar Lays Foundation Of Tehzeeb Mahal; Asks Cultural Academy To Groom Talent

KL Desk

Srinagar

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that the heritage of Jammu and Kashmir denotes a civilization of par excellence with pluralistic ethos and amity in diversity.

“Preservation of heritage, culture, art, literature, history and memorabilia serves as authenticated credentials for present and future generations to study and learn about a people and their life style”, Omar said.

While laying foundation of Tehzeeb Mahal (Heritage House) in Srinagar, Omar said that Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is a complete treasure of such memorabilia which can be properly displayed in the coming up Tehzeeb Mahal for all to witness and get educated.

Omar said that recently Cultural Academy unveiled a bit of its treasure by displaying historic, rear and ancient works of Quranic calligraphy in an exhibition here which mesmerized the visitors. “There are numerous such works of art, culture, literature, languages and heritage preserved in Cultural Academy. Tehzeeb Mahal would be most appropriate for displaying these for public”, he said adding that this complex could also serve as an important centre for literary conferences and meetings.

Omar said that his government is extending all support to the Cultural Academy to expand and strengthen its activities for development, preservation and showcasing of state’s rich cultural heritage. “I told the Secretary Academy, Khalid Bashir that the government would be with him in his efforts to groom writers, poets, artists, painters, sculptors and others associated with state’s art, culture and languages”, he said adding that the Cultural Academy has also been asked to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage in various parts of the country. He referred to the holding of heritage conference by Tourism Department at Goa in which a group of people from various fields of art, culture and literature from the state were facilitated to participate.

Omar also referred to the newly constructed Museum at Srinagar and said that he has asked the concerned agency to complete its internal requirements pertaining to the display of historic valuables in a befitting manner and making the security foolproof. He said the Tourism Department has already taken measures in this direction. He expressed the hope that the Museum would be shortly opened.

Omar said that he has asked the Tourism Department to formulate a calendar with Cultural Academy for holding various events of cultural programmes utilizing the already completed amphitheatres across the Valley. “This would provide added attraction to the visitors visiting the state during tourist season”, he said and directed for printing brochures, leaflets and posters in this regard and keeping these available at Airports, Railway Stations, Tourist Information Centres and other such places for tourists. He said over 13 lakh visitors visited the state this year which is expected to grow further. “In order to make them aware of the state’s rich cultural heritage and make their stay more eventful, Tourism Department and Cultural Academy should formulate such programmes jointly”, he emphasized.

In his welcome address Secretary Cultural Academy, Khalid Bashir said that blending tradition with technology, Rs. 64.89 crore 3-storeyed Tehzeeb Mahal project will be a modern cultural complex in traditional architecture and state-of-the-art facilities related to art and culture.

The Secretary Cultural Academy said that the building will have special architectural finishes in tune with local heritage architecture including maharaji bricks, deji dewari look, devri stone cladding, khatamband ceiling, pinjra and jaffri work, paper machie  and sozni work on walls and log bridge and heritage fort wall.

Khalid said that J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages has a rich collection of manuscripts, paintings, miniatures, sculptures, artifacts, reference books, photographs etc. Due to the limited space available with the Academy, this treasure trove could not be displayed for public viewing except occasionally by holding limited exhibitions. The Tehzeeb Mahal will resolve this problem and make possible round-the year display of our magnificent heritage besides turning into the permanent and colourful address of the state’s culture. It will also serve as a major attraction for touristsinterested in knowing about the heritage and culture of the state.

Noted writer Padam Shree Rehman Rahi presented vote of thanks and highlighted the significance of Tehzeeb Mahal project for the growth, development and preservation of state’s rich art, culture, languages and heritage.