SRINAGAR: LG Sinha on Monday inaugurated the ‘Shinon Meeras’, the Shina Cultural Centre at Gurez. At the inaugural ceremony, LG Sinha said the centre is a tribute to preserving and promoting the glorious artistic heritage of the Dard-Shin tribal community as it will provide a glimpse of Gurez’s rich culture to the world.
He said that India’s first museum for Dardis traces the journey of Shina culture, languages, and the Gurezi way of life. “I believe Shinon Meeras will become the centre of attraction for travelers visiting this best off-beat destination of India.”
Various sections of the museum will provide an opportunity to travelers, historians to explore tangible and intangible art and a vibrant space for the community to tell their stories and showcase traditions, the Lt Governor added.
At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor shared the efforts of the UT Administration for the inclusive development of Gurez. “Gurez has witnessed transformational changes in the last three years. Our dedicated focus was to strengthen physical infrastructure, ensure adequate skilled manpower and to provide a conducive atmosphere for new business enterprises to flourish,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also highlighted the new initiatives taken to tap the tourism potential of Gurez. “Tourism sector has witnessed a massive increase from 700-800 tourists in a year to 35,000 this year till 15th August. Today, the increased tourist influx to Gurez has strengthened the local economy and is providing large employment opportunities to the people.”
Speaking on the power sector, the Lt Governor said the sector had remained a matter of great concern for the people of Gurez for decades.
“We are working on war footing to strengthen the power infrastructure, NHPC power project and work on 33kV line has been expedited and work on infrastructure for inter-connectivity between the villages has started,” he added.
The Lt Governor informed that the administration has decided to extend Kisan Sampark Abhiyaan by 15 days and impressed on the officials to connect more farmers from Gurez with the endeavour.
At Gurez, the Lt Governor also met with various public delegations including PRI representatives, members of Hoteliers and Youth Club Associations and assured them time bound redressal of their genuine issues and grievances.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor flagged off Dawar – Drass – Darchik car rally connecting the Dard community of Gurez to Ladakh, and unveiled a Shina Language Primer for promoting the use of Shina mother tongue amongst children of Gurez.
He also flagged-in Vajr Top Expedition by Indian Army carrying soil of Vajr Top as a contribution to ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’.
