Srinagar, Aug 02: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday highlighted the historic transformation brought about under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership that empowered the Pahari community and other marginalised groups. He launched Dr A.H. Shah’s book “Sharda to Sansad,” describing it as a meaningful dialogue between heritage and hope, between the wisdom of the past and the democratic aspirations of the present.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Books related to history, civilisation, and culture often serve as bridges between generations. Through ‘Sharda to Sansad’, Dr Shah has built such a bridge, reminding us that history and culture never truly pass away. They remain alive within us.”
Drawing a powerful parallel between Sharda Peeth, the ancient seat of learning, and Parliament, the symbol of collective consciousness in modern India, the LG said, “If Sharda nurtured the wisdom of society, Parliament has worked to fulfil the aspirations of the nation.”
He highlighted the historic transformation brought about under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the abrogation of Article 370, which connected Jammu and Kashmir’s aspirations with those of the nation. “The empowerment of the Pahari community, along with other marginalised groups, marked a turning point in India’s democratic journey,” he said, adding that future generations will remember this transformation well.
Sinha praised the Pahari community for preserving its language, folklore, folk music, and traditions with dignity and patience, noting that their oral literature and rich traditions are powerful expressions of courage, harmony, and human values. “The journey from Sharda to Sansad is not merely the journey of a community, but it is the journey of India itself. It is the journey of a civilisation that carried its ancient knowledge tradition into the institutions of democracy while keeping its faith in both equally intact,” he said.
Urging scholars, teachers, artists, and citizens to invest in preserving India’s civilisational heritage, the Lieutenant Governor said, “There are villages whose stories remain unwritten, dialects whose grammar is yet to be studied, and folk songs that have not been recorded. Each of these efforts will enrich our national archive.”
Responding to issues raised by the Chairman of J&K Pahari Welfare Society, the Lieutenant Governor stated that even after the implementation of the law, certain elements are deliberately causing trouble, and assured that a robust mechanism will be put in place to relieve people from this distress.
The book launch ceremony was attended by J&K Pahari Welfare Society Chairman Zafar Iqbal Manhas, author Dr A.H. Shah, Khush Dev Maini, Dr Jahangir Danish, prominent literary personalities, members of various Pahari organisations, MLA Uri Dr Sajjad Shafi, former DDC Chairperson Baramulla Safina Baig, DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, JKAACL Secretary Harvinder Kour, and senior officials.
