SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 had integrated the region’s aspirations with those of the nation, asserting that the empowerment of the Pahari community and other marginalised groups would be remembered by future generations as a defining moment in India’s democratic journey.
Speaking at the launch of Sharda to Sansad, a book authored by Dr A H Shah, Sinha said the transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership had strengthened democratic participation and expanded opportunities for historically disadvantaged communities.
“Future generations will remember this transformation well,” the Lieutenant Governor said, referring to the extension of constitutional benefits and political empowerment to the Pahari community.
Describing the book as more than a historical account, Sinha said it established a dialogue between India’s civilisational heritage and its democratic institutions.
“Books on history, civilisation and culture serve as bridges between generations. Through Sharda to Sansad, Dr Shah has built such a bridge, reminding us that history and culture never truly pass away. They remain alive within us,” he said.
Drawing a parallel between the ancient seat of learning at Sharda Peeth and India’s Parliament, Sinha said, “If Sharda nurtured the wisdom of society, Parliament has worked to fulfil the aspirations of the nation.”
The Lieutenant Governor said India’s civilisational strength had always rested on its intellectual traditions, spirit of inquiry and culture of dialogue. Referring to ancient centres of learning such as Nalanda, Takshashila and Vikramshila, he said while physical structures may disappear, the country’s pursuit of knowledge endures.
He also praised the Pahari community for preserving its language, folklore, music and cultural traditions over generations despite historical challenges.
“The journey from Sharda to Sansad is not merely the journey of a community but the journey of India itself. It reflects a civilisation that carried its ancient knowledge traditions into democratic institutions while preserving its cultural identity,” he said.
Calling for greater efforts to safeguard India’s cultural heritage, Sinha urged scholars, teachers, artists and citizens to document the country’s diverse traditions.
“There are villages whose stories remain unwritten, dialects whose grammar is yet to be studied, and folk songs that have not been recorded. Each of these efforts will enrich our national archive,” he said.
He also stressed the need to encourage younger generations to innovate while remaining rooted in India’s cultural traditions, expressing hope that the book would inspire further research and dialogue on the country’s rich heritage.
Responding to concerns raised by the Chairman of the J&K Pahari Welfare Society during the event, Sinha said that despite the implementation of the law, “certain elements” were creating difficulties and assured that an effective mechanism would be put in place to address the grievances.
The book launch was attended by author Dr A H Shah, J&K Pahari Welfare Society Chairman Zafar Iqbal Manhas, MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi, former Baramulla DDC Chairperson Safina Baig, senior police officers, literary personalities and representatives of various Pahari organisations.
