Srinagar, June 13,2026- Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave 2026, themed “From Exile to Excellence,” at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar on Saturday.
The conclave brought together Kashmiri Pandits from across India and the world, providing a platform to celebrate the community’s resilience, achievements, and enduring connection with their ancestral homeland. The event forms part of the larger Global Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Tour and Conclave 2026, aimed at reconnecting the diaspora with Kashmir’s rich cultural, spiritual, and civilizational heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the invaluable contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community to Kashmir’s cultural, intellectual, and spiritual legacy. He highlighted the community’s remarkable journey of perseverance and success despite decades of displacement, noting that Kashmiri Pandits have excelled in diverse fields including education, administration, science, medicine, entrepreneurship, literature, and public service.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving Kashmir’s composite culture and ensuring that the heritage of all communities remains protected and celebrated. He stressed the importance of strengthening ties between younger generations of Kashmiri Pandits and their roots in the Valley, describing such initiatives as essential for preserving identity and cultural continuity.
The conclave featured discussions on heritage preservation, cultural revival, youth engagement, economic opportunities, and the role of the global Kashmiri Pandit diaspora in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Scholars, community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and civil society representatives participated in deliberations focused on fostering dialogue and promoting meaningful engagement with the region.
A key highlight of the event was the theme of “return” — not merely as a physical journey to Kashmir but as a broader effort to reconnect with history, heritage, traditions, and sacred sites that form the foundation of Kashmiri Pandit identity.
Participants described the conclave as an important step towards cultural reconnection and renewal. Many attendees, particularly younger members of the diaspora, viewed the gathering as an opportunity to experience firsthand the land that has long been part of their family memories, stories, and traditions.
The event underscored a shared vision of preserving Kashmir’s pluralistic heritage while building bridges between the past and the future. Organizers said the conclave aims to transform collective memory into constructive action through education, cultural initiatives, and sustained community engagement.
The Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave at SKICC concluded with a renewed commitment to safeguarding heritage, promoting dialogue, and strengthening the bond between the Kashmiri Pandit community and the Valley.
