Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday stressed the need to preserve Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage, linguistic traditions and indigenous knowledge systems amid rapid technological change, as he laid the foundation stone of the Kashmir Chapter of the University of Jammu’s Centre for Regional Studies, Culture, Dialects and Emotional Intelligence.
The proposed centre will focus on documenting and preserving the region’s cultural and intellectual heritage through research on languages, folklore, manuscripts, pilgrimage, tourism, mountain ecology and local entrepreneurship.
It also envisages the creation of digital archives, linguistic mapping, ethnographic studies and fellowships for young scholars.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha described the centre as a confluence of regional studies, culture, dialects and emotional intelligence.
He said a region’s identity could not be understood through geography alone, as its languages, folklore, cultural practices, arts, faith, traditions and lived experiences also shaped its character.
He highlighted the importance of preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse intellectual and linguistic traditions while strengthening its cultural, historical and human connections.
Lieutenant Governor identified the need to balance global connectivity with local identity, preserve endangered languages and knowledge systems, encourage interdisciplinary research and recognise the importance of emotional well-being in education.
Referring to the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence, Sinha said emotional intelligence and technological capability complemented each other.
He stressed the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, ethical awareness and multidisciplinary collaboration in preparing educational institutions for emerging challenges.
The main centre at the University of Jammu’s Jammu campus, along with its Kashmir chapter, has the potential to develop into a model institution for research, cultural preservation and human-centred development, he said.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu Prof Umesh Rai, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Dean Research Studies Dr Neelu Rohmetra, Director of the university’s Kashmir Sub-Office Dr Guneet Singh Sudan, Dean Planning and Development Prof Sangita Gupta and faculty members attended the foundation stone ceremony.
In a separate function, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated senior officers and personnel of the Special Security Force (SSF) for their role in security management during the 100-day Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir Campaign.
Launched on April 11, 2026, the campaign sought to mobilise public participation against drug abuse. An extensive padyatra led by the Lieutenant Governor covered all 20 districts of the Union Territory, facilitating direct interaction between the administration and citizens.
The SSF ensured security planning, coordination and crowd management during the campaign across urban centres, remote rural areas and mountainous regions.
The force maintained security arrangements while public outreach activities were conducted across varied and challenging terrain.
Sinha commended the personnel for their professionalism and dedication and conveyed his best wishes to them and their families, expressing confidence in their continued service to the nation.
Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range and former SSF Director Swarn Singh Kotwal, Director SSF Hareesh H.P. and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
