SRINAGAR: The National Tribal Festival began in Gurez today with a strong focus on celebrating and preserving the culture of the Dard-Shina tribal community. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the two-day event through virtual mode, calling the Dard-Shina people “a precious treasure of India” and paying tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha highlighted the community’s “deep connection to nature” and its enduring traditions, which he said offered “a powerful lesson in sustainable living”. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiatives aimed at protecting tribal heritage and improving socio-economic conditions. “Decades of injustice against tribals ended in August 2019,” he said, noting that a series of welfare measures had brought tangible change to Jammu and Kashmir’s tribal population.
As part of the festival, Sinha dedicated the new Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM radio station to the Dard-Shina community, calling it a platform to inspire the younger generation to preserve their language, values and oral traditions. He suggested the station run a weekly programme showcasing the rich history of the tribe.
The Lt Governor also pointed to recent development efforts in Gurez, including its connection to grid power in 2023 for the first time since Independence. He praised the region’s growing reputation as a travel destination, describing it as “a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its serene landscapes and picturesque villages”.
The inaugural ceremony featured performances by artists from Jammu and Kashmir and other states under the theme of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, receiving special appreciation from Sinha. Members of the tribal community were honoured for their contributions to society and their service alongside the Indian Army.
The event was attended by Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA from Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Tribal Affairs Secretary Prasanna Ramaswamy G, Bandipora Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, senior officials from security forces and administration, and a large gathering of locals.
The festival, organised by the Tribal Affairs Department with support from the Army and voluntary organisations, aims to strengthen cultural identity while promoting Gurez as a major offbeat tourist destination.
