Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today addressed “Gulmarg Lit-Fest”, organized by the J&K Government as a part of the Iconic Week celebrations under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.The literary festival brought together renowned literary personalities, acclaimed writers, emerging poets, intellectuals from across the country, who discussed and analyzed several aspects of literary traditions.Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor highlighted government’s objective behind holding such literary festivals.“Gulmarg Lit-Fest is a sincere effort from the J&K Government to promote literary talent and revive the culture in true sense”, said the Lt Governor.Jammu and Kashmir has always been a land of rich literary tradition. Some of the world’s greatest creations of literature had come through J&K. Lal Ded Vakh, Habba Khatoon and Nund Rishi’s meditative expressions could not have been conceived elsewhere, observed the Lt Governor.J&K has a historic connection with Art, Literature, and music. Confluence of diverse religions is the essence of J&K. The main genres of music – Hindustani and Carnatic have originated here from Jammu and Kashmir, added the Lt Governor.The Lt Governor said that the UT government recognizes the vital contribution of writers in preserving the linguistic and cultural wealth of J&K and lending its full support to every initiative taken for the welfare of the artists of alphabets.Youth has always remained the priority of the present dispensation. A department – Mission Youth is dedicated to the youth of J&K under which several youth-oriented programmes have been initiated aiming at supporting their creative and entrepreneurial talent, said the Lt Governor.We have initiated a tailor-made program under Mission Youth to support and mentor the young writers of the UT. This program of Mission Youth will prove to be a great platform for the new generation and future writers, the Lt Governor added.Art, Literature and Music are limitless, beyond all boundaries. Today there is a need to once again strengthen the spiritual, cultural, social emotional unity and this sacred work can be done only by writers, thinkers, and artists, the Lt Governor said.The Lt Governor further stressed on the need to organize such a Literary Festival every year to provide much-needed platform and exposure to the young rising talent of the UT.Later, the Lt Governor presented mementos to the participating writers and poets.Various sessions were held in which the renowned writers including celebrated poet and famous lyricist Irshad Kamil shared some of the famous couplets from their notable work.Ms. Safina Baig, DDC Chairperson, Baramulla; Sh Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Ms. Sushma Chauhan, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education Department; Sh. Danesh Rana, ADGP Coordination PHQ; Sh. Bhupinder Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; besides literary enthusiasts and students in large numbers were present on the occasion.
