For the first time in the country, an unique public event showcasing rich cultural heritage of the state of Jammu and Kashmir was organised by Millennium India Education Foundation (MIEF) jointly with Indology Division Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in the National capital Territory of Delhi at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi from 16-20th February 2018.
The event showcased about the cultural heritage of all the three regions of the state (Jammu,.Kashmir & Laddakh) through an exhibition of manuscripts in original and photographic forms of Sharada and Takri scripts over the past centuries, the unsung heroes, the scholars of eminence, pioneers in education, indologists and medical missionaries etc.; display of pictorials, published and un-published works by the eminent Kashmiri/Dogri/Laddakhi scholars- past and present; different forms of arts and architecture of the state, the art of miniature painting called Bhasoli, ancient houses/houseboats, inscriptions, saints and Sufis, coins, calligraphy and spiritual practices as well and folk performances by the artists from Jammu, Kashmir & Laddakh.
From 16th Feb. itself, the exhibition of panels and original display of rare manuscripts written in sharada script and Persian and Devnagari was thrown open to general public and original copies of Sharada and other scripts and miniature paintings was thrown open to public viewing.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated on 17th Feb.2018 and which was followed by folk performances by artists from all the three regions of the state. It was followed by 2 day seminar one each on Kashmiri, Dograi & Ladakhi contribution to Indian Art & cultural promotion on 18th Feb and 19th Feb 2018 respectively.
The event was very successful and people from all walks of life visited the venue and took part part in various activities held during the event days.
Hon’ble Union Minister for state (Independent Charge) PMO Dr Jitendra Singh was the Chief Guest for the inaugural function on 17th Feb while Dr Karan Singh former Member of Parliament & Former Maharaja of J &K state inaugurated the seminar on 18th Feb.2018.The valedictory function of the seminar was held on 19th Feb with the blessings of world renowned legendary Sanskrit scholar and Former Chairman ICCR ,Prof Lokesh Chandra.
Dr Jitendra Singh and Dr Karan Singh while congratulating the organizers Bhartiya Vidya Bhanvan and Millennium India Education Foundation for organizing such an unique event.Both the leaders who incidentally hale from the state, admitted that such an effort to showcase the cultural heritage of all the three regions of state in such a unique manner, was never held in any part of the country including the state itself and lauded the efforts of organizers. Both urged that such shows need to be held at regular intervals in different parts of the country so that the common people are sensitized about the rich heritage of all the three regions of the state,which unfortunately is not happening for a very longtime.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh Ashok Pradhan Director Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Delhi Kendra, Dr Uday Kakroo Director Millennium India Education Foundation and Dr Shashi Bala Dean Div.of Indology Bhartoya Vodhya Bhavan New Delgi acknowledged the concerns of the leaders and other participanting dignitaries.
Dr Shashi Bala Dean Indology Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and Sh H L Wangnoo Sr Advisor MIEF,in an joint statement agreed to the desire of the leaders to hold such shows in different parts of the country and promised that both the organizations will chart out a strategy to make the exhibition and other activities of the program a regular affair.
Dr Jitedra singh also released a sharada script learning book titled as “Connect With Sharada (an ancient endangered script till 8 PM.)published by MIEF.The event was attended by large no of people from all walks of life including elders and children .During the seminar days, experts from Jammu, Kolkatta ,Gurgoan, & Delhi took part and presented 24 scholarly research papers. 100-120 people from different professions and walks of life .24 research papers on different subjects were read by equal no of scholars and experts.
The event ended with high note of expectations from the people of Jammu & Kashmir to shun violence, engage in the promotion of its rich heritage and so on and so forth.