Srinagar:Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be remembered by future generations.
Addressing the launch ceremony of Dr. A.H. Shah’s book “Sharda to Sansad” in Srinagar, the LG said the empowerment of the Pahari community and other marginalized sections marked a significant turning point in India’s democratic journey.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected Jammu Kashmir’s aspirations with those of the nation. The empowerment of the Pahari community, along with other marginalized groups, marked a turning point in India’s democratic journey. Future generations will remember this transformation well,” LG Sinha said.
Congratulating Dr. A.H. Shah for his scholarly contribution, the Lieutenant Governor described Sharda to Sansad as more than a historical account, calling it a dialogue between heritage and hope, and between the wisdom of the past and democratic aspirations of the present.
“Literature and scholarship illuminate the human spirit and connect different eras,” he said, drawing a parallel between Sharda Peeth, the ancient centre of learning, and Parliament, the symbol of India’s democratic consciousness.
“If Sharda nurtured the wisdom of society, Parliament has worked to fulfil the aspirations of the nation,” the LG remarked.
Highlighting the rich cultural legacy of the Pahari community, LG Sinha praised its efforts in preserving language, folklore, folk music and traditions over centuries. He said the journey from Sharda to Sansad represents the journey of India itself — carrying forward ancient knowledge traditions while strengthening democratic institutions.
The Lieutenant Governor urged scholars, teachers, artists and citizens to work towards preserving India’s civilizational heritage, stating that several stories, dialects and folk traditions still remain undocumented.
“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.
Emphasising the need to balance tradition with innovation, the LG said cultural heritage is a living force passed from one generation to another and forms the foundation of a strong and vibrant democracy.
Responding to concerns raised by the Chairman of J&K Pahari Welfare Society, Shri Zafar Iqbal Manhas, regarding issues faced by the community after implementation of the law, the LG assured that a robust mechanism would be established to address the concerns.
The event was attended by Shri Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Chairman J&K Pahari Welfare Society; Dr. A.H. Shah, author; Shri Khush Dev Maini; Dr. Jahangir Danish; literary personalities and members of various Pahari organisations.
Dr. Sajjad Shafi, MLA Uri; Ms. Safina Baig, former DDC Chairperson Baramulla; Shri Rajiv Pandey, DIG CKR; Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Ms. Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL, and senior officials were also present.
