Baramulla, July 29: ANB: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday attended Kashur Riwaaj 2025, a large-scale cultural event organized in Baramulla to celebrate the region’s rich artistic heritage. The event witnessed a historic moment as over 20,000 youth participated in collective performances of Ladishah and Calligraphy, setting a new world record.
Congratulating the youth, LG Sinha described the feat as a milestone in Kashmir’s cultural revival. “This record is not just an achievement in numbers, but a powerful statement of our youth’s resolve to preserve and promote Kashmir’s centuries-old artistic traditions,” he said.
He commended the Indian Army and the Baramulla District Administration for their pivotal role in organizing the event. “The Army is not only protecting the nation’s sovereignty, but also acting as a guardian of the Valley’s cultural ethos, helping realise the dreams of its youth,” the LG remarked.
Highlighting the broader objective of national integration through cultural expression, LG Sinha said the Indian Army has been instrumental in empowering youth by promoting literature, art, music, and sports across Jammu and Kashmir. “Unity in diversity is the cornerstone of Indian civilization. Efforts like these reinforce that spirit,” he added.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Government of India and the Union Territory administration under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor said a coordinated approach is being followed to align the aspirations of J&K’s youth with the vision of a new and empowered India.
“The hopes and dreams of our youth can only thrive in an environment of peace,” the LG said, underlining the transformative shift in Jammu and Kashmir following years of violence and instability fuelled by cross-border terrorism and separatism. “The days of fear and uncertainty are behind us. J&K is now on the path of stability and progress.”
LG Sinha also expressed the nation’s gratitude to the security forces for their success in Operation Mahadev, which led to the elimination of three Pakistani terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation, carried out in the Dachigam forest, was hailed as a significant step in safeguarding civilian life and restoring peace in the region.
He urged the youth to stand united against divisive forces. “There are still elements in society who try to glorify terrorism and justify the killing of innocents. We must collectively reject such toxic ideologies and expose those who try to hold back the dreams of our younger generation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also voiced concern over the rising drug abuse among youth and called for a collective social response. “We must bring those affected by substance abuse back into the mainstream and offer them hope and rehabilitation,” he urged.
As part of cultural promotion initiatives, LG Sinha announced the launch of the Guru-Shishya Parampara programme by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), alongside a new Calligraphy course in collaboration with the University of Kashmir. The initiative aims to revive endangered art forms by providing financial support to master artisans and their disciples.
The calligraphy programme will offer six-month and one-year certificate and diploma courses. Under the Guru-Shishya scheme, each master (Guru) will mentor 4–8 students (Shishyas) and receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month. Shishyas will receive ₹5,000 and assistants ₹7,500 monthly.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, GOC 19 Infantry Division Maj Gen Paranvir Singh Punia, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, DIG North Kashmir Maqsood-Ul-Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, and senior officials from civil administration, police and armed forces. Representatives from the Universal Record Forum, renowned artists, and thousands of young participants were also present, making it a memorable cultural celebration in the heart of north Kashmir. ANB
