STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A contingent of 30 students from JK Public School Kunjwani visited the much-acclaimed, week-long exhibition, organized by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi on the theme ‘Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A visual Narrative of continuities and linkages’ in collaboration with Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, University of Jammu; Kala Kendra Society Jammu and Jammu Kashmir Study Centre, Delhi.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary of J&K UT, Atal Dulloo, in presence of several eminent dignitaries which also included Suresh Kumar Gupta, IFS, Principal Secretary Culture, J&K UT. This exhibition will remain open to general public till 20th of September 2024.
Prof. Lalit Gupta, a renowned art historian, gave a brief introduction to the exhibition and provided the valuable insights, which included information regarding Saptsindhu valley civilisation, rise of Buddhism, cultural literacy and about the oldest scripts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. Shonaleeka Kaul, Centre for Historical Studies, JNU, was the keynote speaker of the event. She highlighted about the concept of Bharatvarsha and elaborated upon the historic, organic, Indic and sanskritic character of Kashmir. Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs and officiating Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, mentioned that this exhibition represents more than just a collection of artworks but is a very vivid presentation of the rich cultural and ideological history.
The exhibition guides highlighted the rich history of erstwhile state of J&K and its historical and cultural evolution over the years. They stressed upon the need of knowing the history by the masses especially the youth. It is the need of the hour to understand, re-read, rectify and rewrite our history by re-exploring the pre-existing historical texts.
Prof. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT Jammu, gave a different perspective on Rajtrangni by highlighting the importance of Jammu as a distinct historical and geographical identity. Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra Jammu, stated that there is a need to build narrative based upon knowledge, research and historical text. He also stressed upon making historical text accessible to all so that general public and researchers can get access to authentic information.
Having heard the reflections of students regarding their visit to the exhibition, Principal JKPS Kunjwani Rajesh Rathore applauded the Organizers and other dignitaries for broadening the horizon of students’ perception & fostering the spirit of inquiry/exploration in JKiians to collect more & more information regarding various aspects of history pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh.
Attendees came back very excited, full of learning takes away & insatiable thirst of knowledge and curiosity. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Director, JK Educational Society Shashi Chaudhary for providing them the lifetime experience.