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Created: 12 November 2019

SRINAGAR: While praising the cultural heritage of Kashmir, Union Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Nirupama Kotru today said that there is no parallel to the heritage of the region. She said steps needs to be taken to conserve the tangible heritage which includes tombs, old houses, age-old buildings, artifacts in museums, along with non-tangible heritage including music, literature, paintings and others.

The Joint Secretary said this at a book release function held by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at the seminar hall of JKAACL, Lal Mandi. The function was held in collaboration with Department of Achieves, Archaeology and Museums. Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Muneer-ul-Islam, Director National Council of Science Museums Samarendra Kumar, Chief Editor (Urdu), J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages M Ashraf Tak were present during the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Kotru said that people of Kashmir are ardent readers and have always loved to read good stuff. She said that Kashmiri folk tales are so rich that people world over read them with great admiration. Joint Secretary said that the Valley has a rich tradition and culture which is admired world-over. The writers and poets here have expressed their love and emotions so beautifully that their work inspires millions, Kotru said. She said it is important that such literature and art is showcased world over so that the seekers get the requisite benefit from their great work. 

Admiring Academy for doing a commendable work, Kotru said the Academy has been at the forefront of doing a commendable job in bringing out journals, high quality translation works and other books in various indigenous languages which include Kashmiri, Gogri, Pahari, Dogri, Urdu, and others, thereby giving a glimpse of art and tradition of the place.

Earlier, the Joint Secretary released various books in different languages and translations including Intangible Heritage of Kashmir(English), Intangible Heritage of Jammu (English), Habba Khatoon (English Translation done by Prof Ghulam Rasool Malik), Tawareek Hassan (English translation done by Prof Shafi Shouq), Aknandon-folk tale told by six authors, Lok-e-Kath- reprinted version of Kashmiri, Kashur-sun-Adab, Kuliyat Azad (reprinted), Kuliyat Mahmood Gami (4^th edition reprinted), Nawjawan number (Urdu), Arsh-e-Sehbaie (Urdu), Bulbul Kashmiri (Urdu), Tota Maina (Pahari translation) Hasta Adab (Pahari), Lale-de-Banjrary (Pahari), Gojiri Lok Kahaniyan (Gojri), Mai Azmiyo Sach (Gojri translation of My experiments with truth) and others.

Later, the Union Joint Secretary also visited Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums where she was given a detailed tour of old and new Museum by Muneer-ul-Islam, who is also the Director Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums. Besides, apprising her with various issues related to the department, the director discussed various future plans regarding the department with the Joint Secretary.