ICHR in collaboration with DSRS Jammu University organised an exhibition-cum-seminar on Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh- Through the Ages

Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi has organised a week long exhibition on  ‘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 honourable Chief Secretary of J&K UT, Shri. Atal Dulloo, IAS in presence of several eminent dignitaries which also included Shri. Suresh Kumar Gupta, IFS, Principal Secretary Culture, J&K UT. This exhibition with remain open to general public till 20th of September 2024. A seminar was also organised where various dignitaries highlighted different historic and cultural perspectives on Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The commencement of the exhibition took place with the welcome address by Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra Jammu.

Afterwards, Dr. Noopur Singh, Deputy Director (Research), ICHR gave a brief intro about ICHR and their role as premier historical research institution. She also provided information regarding the funding schemes for research purpose.

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. She also argued that it is a moral responsibility of the University of Jammu to spread awareness about magnificent history of J&K.

Shri. Suresh Kumar Gupta, IFS, Principal Secretary Culture, Jammu & Kashmir UT, was the Guest of Honour of the event. He highlighted the rich history of erstwhile state of J&K and its historical and cultural evolution over the years. He stressed upon the need of knowing the history by the masses especially the youth.

Shri. Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary of J&K UT, was the Chief Guest of the programme. He appreciated the idea behind this exhibition and said “once you go in, you will come out feeling prouder about the fact that you belong to such a beautiful civilisation.” He also reminded us all that this exhibition is a visual representation of history of five-thousand years.

Prof. Suman Jamwal, Head, Department of History, University of Jammu, suggested that 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. Sham Narayan Lal, Department of History, University of Jammu, stated that there are enough sources available about the history of Jammu but they all are improperly placed and stand highly unorganised.

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.  

This event was hosted by Dr. Chahukeshi Jamwal, Research Associate, DSRS. The vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Virender Koundal, Director, DSRS, University of Jammu. This program was attended by the members of civil society, faculty, research scholars and students of Jammu University and representatives from media.