Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the National Tribal Festival in Gurez today. The two-day tribal festival celebrates the culture and tradition of the Dard-Shina tribal community.
Addressing the gathering through virtual mode, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the immense contribution of the tribal community in the cultural diversity of the country. He also paid tribute to Lord Birsa Munda.
“I consider the Dard-Shina tribal community to be the most precious treasure in India, which is motivating people to preserve their traditions and rituals. Its rich traditions are a guide light for us. The deeper relationship of the Dard-Shina community for nature has shaped a unique culture and a set of values.
Under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the precious tribal culture is being preserved and their ancient glory and dignity are restored, ”said the Lieutenant Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor noticed that the central government has always focused on empowering the tribal community and changing its lives.
“Decades of injustice against tribals ended in August 2019. Various transformative initiatives have increased the socio-economic conditions of tribal brothers and sisters.
Gurez was first associated with grid power in 2023 after 1947. This reflects our commitment to the Gurez and Dard-Shina community, ”he said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor dedicated the Dard-Shina tribal community to the identity Gilgit 88.8 FM Radio Station. He said that the community radio station will motivate the younger generation to preserve and cherish the values, knowledge and traditions of the community.
The Lieutenant Governor suggested that the new radio station should broadcast the rich history of the tribal community through a dedicated weekly program.
“Gurez was developed and established as the country’s most favorite offbeat tourist destination. Today Gurez is ranked as the country’s top travel destination and is considered as a shelter for outsiders with its calm landscape and picturesque villages.
Community radio programs should reflect their natural, artistic and cultural heritage, ”said the Lieutenant Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the Indian Army, Department of Tribal Affairs, District Administration and various voluntary organizations for their dedication to promote the precious cultural heritage of the Dard-Shina community.
Demonstrations celebrating “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” by artists from J&K and other states received special appreciation from the Lieutenant Governor.
Members of the tribal community were also honored for their service for the society and the Indian Army.
Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister of Tribal Affairs, Water Power, Forest, Ecology and Environment; Nazir Ahmed Khan, members of the Legislative Assembly from Gurez; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Prasanna Ramaswamy ji, Secretary, Department of Tribal Affairs; Manzoor Ahmed Qadri, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, senior security forces officials, civil and police administration, and a large number of people from all areas of life attended the inauguration ceremony.