Rural Heritage Workshop organized at Udhampur campus JU

Jammu, September 1: Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Jammu organized a one-dayRural Heritage Workshop on ‘Connecting with the Roots: Gandhian Vision.’ The event was organized in collaboration with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Jammu Chapter and Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu.

Madam Indu Kanwal Chib, Director, Rural Livelihood Mission J&K was the Chief Guest for the inaugural session. In her address, she directly jolted the students to introspect as to what constitutes Gandhi and why it’s important to embrace Gandhian vision in building sustainable societies. Further she also stressed upon the role of the right kind of parenting in nurturing children. “Slow and steady degradation of our familial systems is what is responsible for morally corrupt societies and its imperative for us that we invest in our children more instead of interfering in their lives if we have to restore the moral compass of our societies”, she said. 

Sh. Hemant Sharma, IAS (retd), was the Chief Guest for the valedictory session. Stressing on the need to preserve our heritage, he shared his familiarity with the unique rich cultural heritage of Udhampur from where he began his career.

Earlier, the workshop began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries and melodious presentation of Saraswati Vandana presented by the students of Udhampur Campus.

Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Rector Udhampur Campus welcomed the dignitaries and expressed gratitude to the dignitaries for being the part of the workshop. Dr. Seema Rohmetra, Director Incharge, Gandhian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies introduced the workshop and threw light on the need to go back to Gandhian vision in strengthening the villages, thereby making them self-sufficient and self-reliant in the present context.Sh. S.M. Sahni, KAS (retd.) former Director Tourism, J&K, and Convener INTACH gave an overview of the aims and objectives of INTACH.  

Dr. Lalit Gupta, Former Faculty, Music &Fine Arts shared his thoughts on Rural Heritage: Nature and Significance.’ “While transformation of our lives is a reality, preserving our precious heritage is our responsibility”, he said.

Sh. Kripal Singh, Life Member INTACH and an Expert in Heritage Walks and Rural Intangible Heritage, spoke on ‘Lifestyle of Rural Jammu: Intangible Heritage.’ He acquainted the audience with the folk arts and crafts of DuggarDesh while stressing on the need to safeguard the same.Padma Shri Sh. Shiv Nirmohi, succinctly shared about his writings with the students. Sharing about his first meeting with Mahatma Gandhi at the tender age of ten, he recalled what indelible mark it left on him.Sh. Anil Paba, Archaeologist and Additional Co-convener INTACH, SubChapter Udhampur, led the students to the Heritage Exhibition set up at Udhampur campus.

Thus introducing them to the varied components of tangible heritage of Dogra culture including its dresses, weapons, paintings and other artifacts’.Dr. Sapna Sangra, former Chairperson SPIC MACAY J&K Chapter and faculty Sociology, University of Jammu presented the detailed report of the workshop while Dr. Taruna Dubey presented the formal vote of thanks. Dr Jyoti Sinha presented the welcome address in the valedictory session. Nearly hundred participants attended the workshop which included students from the Udhampur Campus, the students from GDC Boysand Bhartiya College of Education, Udhampur, Govt.  High School and Middle School, Garnai, Women from Self Help Groups,Garani and other members from the community.