Shoukat Sahil
Pattan: Kasheer History Foundation and SSM College Parihaspora, Pattan, jointly organised a one-day seminar at the college seminar hall titled “A Kaleidoscopic View of Kashmir’s Cultural History.” Students, teachers, researchers, scholars and people from different walks of life participated in the event. Lectures and discussions were held on Kashmir’s history, shared cultural traditions, environment, music and cultural heritage. The speakers also highlighted various important issues, including Kashmir’s history and cultural heritage, syncretic and shared cultural traditions, environmental concerns, water bodies, traditional music and the role of youth.
The speakers at the seminar included Dr. Sami Ullah Bhat, Dr. Abdul Rashid Lone, Dr. Haroon Rashid, Chief Guest Prof. Farooq Fayaz, Dr. Muzaffar Bhat Muzamil Qureshi and Neerja Mattoo.
Dr. Sami Ullah Bhat, associated with the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kashmir, shed detailed light on the CAG Audit Report on the Conservation and Management of Lakes in Kashmir. Expressing concern over the shrinking area of Kashmir’s water bodies, particularly lakes, and the growing environmental pressure, he stressed the need for effective implementation of research findings and expert recommendations aimed at protecting water resources.
Speaking on “Decoding the Past — Written, Material & Oral Evidence,” Dr. Abdul Rashid Lone highlighted the importance of written, material and oral evidence in understanding Kashmir’s past. He said that a comparative study of different historical sources can help present a comprehensive and authentic picture of the history of the region.
During an online session, Dr. Haroon Rashid spoke about Kashmir’s syncretic and plural traditions. He said that Kashmir’s cultural identity has evolved through the interaction of diverse religious, social and cultural traditions, and stressed the need to familiarise the younger generation with these shared cultural foundations for their preservation and promotion.
Chief Guest Prof. Farooq Fayaz, in his presidential address, emphasised the importance of preserving Kashmir’s historical and cultural heritage. He said that protecting historical places, traditions and cultural identity is not merely the responsibility of institutions, and that student and young people must also play an active role in this endeavour.
Dr. Muzaffar Bhat spoke on the traditional musical instruments of Kashmir and highlighted their historical and cultural significance. He said that traditional instruments constitute an important part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage and called for serious efforts towards their preservation, research and transmission to the younger generation.
Muzamil Qureshi of Life Bloom Foundation highlighted the role of youth in environmental protection. He said that promoting awareness, responsibility and active participation among young people is the need of the hour to address environmental challenges.
Educationist and former Principal of Government College for Women, Srinagar, Neerja Mattoo said that through her writings and translations, she is highlighting the role and contributions of women in Kashmiri culture, and that she intends to continue this work throughout her life.
Youth as Cultural Ambassadors
An important session of the seminar, titled “Way Forward — Youth as Ambassadors of Kashmiri Heritage & Culture,” focused on the role of young people in preserving and promoting Kashmir’s heritage. The speakers said that through research, educational activities, cultural programmes and modern means of communication, youth can play an effective role in highlighting Kashmir’s historical and cultural heritage.
Showcasing Traditional Kashmiri Costumes
During the concluding part of the seminar, students presented a showcase of traditional Kashmiri costumes, reflecting the region’s cultural diversity and age-old traditions. The presentation generated considerable interest among the participants, while the students expressed their commitment to preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
A virtual walkthrough on Kashmir’s history and cultural heritage was also presented during the event, while participants showed keen interest in the discussions held on various subjects. The speakers emphasised the need to further strengthen collaborative efforts among educational institutions, experts, civil society and youth for the preservation of Kashmir’s historical, cultural and environmental heritage.
At the conclusion, Sunanda Ganju, Director, Kasheer History Foundation, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to all the speakers, guests, students, teachers for their participation and support. Dilkafroz Qazi, Chairperson of the College, delivered the welcome address.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participating students. The organisers appreciated the efforts of the students and said that such activities play an important role in connecting the younger generation with its history, culture and civilisational heritage.
