JAMMU: In the past, that is, as recorded history shows, we hear of 45 or more civilisations. The Roman civilisation, the Egyptian civilisation and many others like them. Grand at their time, and which held a wide sway and were considered unbeatable. But where are they today? All gone. Except for our own civilisation, rooted in Vedic Sanatana Dharma, which has existed since time immemorial and will endure long after we are gone.
Rigved teaches us so much that we need to practise in our day-to-day lives, and it is so vital that we not only know about our religious teachings but also follow them. Following our rituals, upholding what our ancestors have bequeathed to us, and handing it over to future generations is a continuity we have to maintain, Mahamandeshwar Avdhesjanand Giri ji said in Jammu on March 30. He was addressing devotees and ordinary people who had gathered at a banquet hall for a cultural festival.
People of J&K are brave people who live in frontier areas, border areas, which the enemies of the nation seek to violate. However, such evil designs are always rebuffed, and they will be in future too, he said. The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is akin to a mukut that adorns the head, and the battle of the Mahabharat was born when Dushashan touched Draupadi’s head, he reminded the audience.
The 2008 Amarnath agitation, which started in Jammu, changed things so fundamentally in such a short span of time. Its reverberations were felt in India and all over the world, Swamiji added. He said the cultural items presented during the program, showcasing various aspects of Dogra culture, were wonderful.
Speaking later at the same function, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Jammu’s soil brims with rich traditions. Dogri songs weaving life’s values, crafts embedding experiences, art infused with devotion are our vibrant legacies breathing new life.”
The program “Jammu Kashmir Cultural Festival” was organised by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust of Rohit Shastri, which has been working to spread the Sanskrit language and the renaissance of sanskriti (culture, civilisation). The LG festival aims to preserve rich heritage, recommits to folk arts, spiritual foundations, traditions and strengthens our identity
“I am confident traditional performances will enliven the atmosphere with color and melody, cultural displays will carry our priceless legacy to all, and farmer awareness programs will honor the hands nourishing this Union Territory’s soul,” he said.
The LG observed that India’s emerging duty is to empower our knowledge economy and to propagate innovations, cultural values, and philosophical ideas globally.
“In this defining moment as global strife fractures societies and humanity quests for peace, India stands tall to illuminate a new path for the world. We are heirs to a civilization that lit lamps of knowledge, culture, and spirituality across continents millennia ago,” he said.
The LG said that the world awaits fresh ideas, and youth inherit the tradition of birthing transformative thought. He called upon the youth to return to their roots, cultivate new ideas and innovation and use cultural heritage as a potent tool to transform society.
“In this inter-connected era, strengthen brotherhood’s bond. Champion compassion over conflict worldwide,” Mr Sinha said. He observed that art and culture wield profound insight, purpose, and craft, all essential for nation-building. For India, art, spirituality, philosophy, and ethics are bridges linking generations, he said.
“This is modern history’s toughest phase, and we are fortunate that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is leading the country, establishing new benchmarks in progress and welfare,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that India’s transformation over the past 12 years has been extraordinary. He emphasised that society must collectively accelerate this transformation. In the coming decades, we must harness new energy and resolve to build technologies and systems that reshape domestic and global industries, the Lieutenant Governor added.
“On international platforms, India has reclaimed ancient glory and confidence. Indian engineers, scientists, industrialists, and innovators now steer global discourse; their technologies and talents earn worldwide acclaim. I see this as a renaissance, reviving India’s glorious history,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Jammu Kashmir Cultural Festival featured various activities, including a cultural exhibition, traditional folk performances, a Kisan Mela, and a free medical camp.
On the occasion, distinguished individuals were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Members of the Legislative Assembly, Shyam Lal Sharma and Ms Devyani Rana; Mahant Rohit Shastri, President, Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust; and Shri Mukul Kanitkar, a prominent citizen, and a large number of people attended the cultural festival.
Suresh Kumar Sharma, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and senior officials were also present.
