Minister of Public Works Naeem Akhtar today said that in consonance with its rich heritage and history of inclusiveness, harmony and knowledge, Jammu is emerging as a true metropolitan city in the state.The Minister was speaking at a five day exhibition cum workshop on “Preventive Conservation of Manuscripts” organized by Shashwat Art Gallery in collaboration with National Mission for Manuscripts, Ministry of Culture Government of India at Kala Kendra, Jammu.The workshop was attended by MLA Gulmarg, Mohammad Abbas Wani former VC Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) representatives, experts, scholars, officials, students and members of civil society.Addressing the gathering, the Minister said Jammu has a rich collection of manuscripts spanning over thousands of years and such workshops will go a long way in making people aware of this treasure trove.
He said it is the duty of every person to preserve the collection and educate the future generations about the State’s rich past.The Minister said that Jammu has a unique collection of Sharda, Purans, Geeta, Quran, Sanskrit, Buddhist and other manuscripts, which are perhaps found nowhere else. He called for sustained efforts to preserve and benefit from such treasured artifacts.The Minister said that Jammu is at the confluence of many religions and civilizations, which has bestowed it a unique character. He said not many people know about the rich heritage of Jammu and the great personalities it has produced. He said be it music maestro Ustad Allah Rakha Khan or legendary singer Malika Pukhraj, the region has rich past of being a fertile ground of the greatest names in many fields.The Minister called on the officials and members of the civil society to engage in rediscovering its rich past. He said apart from its multiple qualities, the region has a huge soft side too and it is high time that we take steps to rediscover it. He said Jammu continues to amaze us as it hosts people from all walks with open arms much like its history.