Gurez / Srinagar, August 06: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the National Tribal Festival in Gurez, a picturesque valley in north Kashmir, through virtual mode. The two-day cultural celebration is dedicated to the vibrant heritage and traditions of the Dard-Shina tribal community.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor hailed the contribution of tribal communities to India’s cultural mosaic and paid tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter.
“I consider the Dard-Shina community to be the most precious treasure of India. Their deep connection to nature and sustainable way of life offers powerful lessons in living harmoniously with the environment,” said LG Sinha.
Empowering Tribals Under PM Modi’s Leadership
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the Central Government’s commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower tribal communities and restore their ancient dignity and heritage.
“Decades of injustice against tribals ended in August 2019. Since then, various transformative initiatives have improved the socio-economic conditions of our tribal brothers and sisters,” he noted.
A landmark achievement in this direction was the electrification of Gurez in 2023, connecting the region to the power grid for the first time since 1947. “This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to the development of Gurez and the Dard-Shina community,” said LG Sinha.
Shina Gilgit FM 88.8: A Voice for the Community
In a major step toward cultural preservation, the Lieutenant Governor dedicated the newly launched Shina Gilgit FM 88.8 community radio station to the Dard-Shina community. He said the radio will serve as a platform for the youth to connect with and uphold their traditions, values, and language.
“I encourage the station to host weekly programs focused on the rich oral history and cultural heritage of the tribal community,” he said, stressing the importance of indigenous media in community building.
Gurez: From Remote Valley to Top Tourist Destination
LG Sinha lauded the transformation of Gurez Valley into one of India’s most sought-after offbeat tourist destinations, admired for its natural beauty, serene landscapes, and vibrant villages.
“Today, Gurez is not just a hidden gem; it’s a top-ranked travel destination and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts,” he added.
He called for community radio content to reflect the area’s natural, artistic, and cultural heritage, amplifying its appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
Cultural Performances and Recognition
The event saw cultural performances by artists from Jammu & Kashmir and other states, celebrating the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The performances were met with wide acclaim from attendees and the Lieutenant Governor.
Several members of the tribal community and Indian Army personnel were felicitated for their contributions to society and national service.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including:
- Shri Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment
- Shri Nazir Ahmad Khan, MLA from Gurez
- Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir
- Shri Prasanna Ramaswamy G, Secretary, Tribal Affairs
- Shri Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora
- Senior officials from the Indian Army, civil administration, police, and hundreds of locals
The Lieutenant Governor extended his appreciation to the Indian Army, Tribal Affairs Department, District Administration, and voluntary organizations for their efforts in preserving and promoting the priceless tribal heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.
