2-Day Festival Showcases Dard-Shina Tribal Culture and Heritage
LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates National Tribal Festival, Dedicates Community Radio Station
SRINAGAR/GUREZ: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today virtually inaugurated the National Tribal Festival at Gurez, a two-day celebration highlighting the rich culture, traditions, and heritage of the Dard-Shina tribal community.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor praised the immense contributions of the tribal community to India’s cultural fabric and paid homage to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
“I consider the Dard-Shina community to be one of India’s most precious cultural treasures. Their unique traditions and deep-rooted connection to nature serve as an inspiration to preserve our heritage and lead a sustainable lifestyle,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, tribal heritage is being safeguarded, and efforts are being made to restore their ancient dignity and pride.
“The Central Government has consistently prioritised the empowerment and upliftment of tribal communities. The decades of injustice faced by tribals were brought to an end in August 2019, and since then, a range of transformative initiatives has significantly improved their socio-economic conditions,” he added.
Highlighting key developmental milestones, the LG noted that Gurez was connected to the power grid for the first time in 2023 since Independence, a testament to the administration’s commitment to the region and its people.
As a major highlight of the event, the LG dedicated the Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM Community Radio Station to the Dard-Shina community. He said the station would serve as a platform to preserve and promote indigenous values, knowledge, and traditions among the youth.
He encouraged the station to launch a weekly program dedicated to the oral histories and heritage of the community, further noting that radio programming should reflect the region’s natural, artistic, and cultural richness.
“Gurez has emerged as one of the country’s top offbeat tourist destinations, renowned for its serene landscapes, vibrant villages, and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts,” he said, adding that this development should be echoed in the stories and songs shared on the new radio platform.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the Indian Army, Tribal Affairs Department, district administration, and civil society organizations for their efforts in preserving the invaluable cultural heritage of the Dard-Shina community.
Cultural performances by artists from Jammu & Kashmir and other states, under the theme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, captivated audiences and earned special appreciation from the LG.
During the event, members of the tribal community and personnel from the Indian Army were honoured for their contributions to society.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large gathering, 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 Department; Shri Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora; senior officials from civil, police, and security forces; and people from all walks of life.
