Srinagar/Gurez, August 7, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the National Tribal Festival in Gurez, a two-day celebration of the vibrant culture and tradition of the Dard-Shina tribal community, marking a significant step in tribal culture preservation. The event, held in the picturesque Gurez Valley of Bandipora district, also saw the launch of the Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM Radio Station, dedicated to inspiring the younger generation to cherish and preserve the values, knowledge, and traditions of the Dard-Shina community.Addressing the gathering virtually, LG Sinha lauded the immense contribution of the tribal community to India’s cultural diversity, emphasizing their deep connection to nature and sustainable lifestyle. “I consider the Dard-Shina tribal community to be the most precious treasure of India, inspiring people to preserve their traditions and rituals. Its rich traditions are a guiding light for us,” Sinha said.
He paid tributes to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlighting the community’s role in shaping a unique cultural identity rooted in harmony with nature.Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha noted, the Central Government has prioritized tribal empowerment and dignity restoration.
“Decades of injustice against tribals ended in August 2019. Various transformative initiatives have enhanced the socio-economic conditions of tribal brothers and sisters,” he said, citing Gurez’s connection to grid power in 2023 as a milestone after 75 years of independence. This reflects the government’s commitment to the Dard-Shina community and the region’s development as a top offbeat tourist destination.The newly launched community radio station, Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM, aims to preserve the Dard-Shina’s oral traditions, language, and history. Sinha suggested a dedicated weekly program to broadcast the community’s rich heritage, ensuring that Gurez’s natural, artistic, and cultural heritage is reflected in its programming. “Gurez is now ranked as a top travel destination, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with its serene landscapes and picturesque villages. The radio station will inspire the young generation to cherish their roots,” he added.
The festival, organized by the Tribal Affairs Department with support from the Indian Army, district administration, and voluntary organisations, featured captivating performances by artists from Jammu and Kashmir and other states under the theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, earning special praise from Sinha. Members of the Dard-Shina community and Indian Army personnel were honored for their contributions to society, reinforcing the event’s focus on cultural unity and social service.
Dignitaries present included Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Nazir Ahmad Khan, MLA from Gurez; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Prasanna Ramaswamy G, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department; and Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, alongside senior officials and a large gathering of locals.
The National Tribal Festival underscores the government’s commitment to tribal culture preservation, socio-economic empowerment, and regional development, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of restoring the ancient glory and dignity of India’s tribal communities. Gurez’s emergence as a cultural and tourism hub further amplifies the Dard-Shina community’s legacy, making it a beacon of cultural heritage and sustainable living.
