World Heritage Week concludes with grand felicitation ceremony

JAMMU: World Heritage Week 2025 concluded today with a grand felicitation ceremony held at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The event marked the completion of a week-long celebration of heritage, culture and community engagement organized by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology & Museums under the supervision of Director, K.K. Sidha. Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, attended the event as chief guest.

Also present were Deepika Sharma, Secretary in Culture Department; Dr. Rubina Kaunser, Director General Libraries; Harwinder Kaur, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages; Parvez Ahmed, Special Secretary Culture; Dr. Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; renowned veteran journalist O.P. Sharma and Principal of Rajouri Higher Secondary School.

Throughout the week, a variety of activities were organized including online essay competitions, seminars, workshops, heritage walks and visit to heritage sites such as Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi and the historic Octroi Post at Suchetgarh. The workshops in Wood Carving and Calligraphy drew special attention. In his address, Director Sidha shared that the celebrations focused on inclusivity, bringing together the students, women, ex-servicemen, specially-abled individuals, Kashmiri migrants and orphans. He proudly declared every participant a “Heritage Warrior.”

On the occasion, awards were presented to winners of the Online Essay Competition. Advaita (Presentation Convent) and Advay Singh (BVM) were te winners in the junior category while Riya Sharma (GGMHSS Rajouri) and Aradhya Gupta (Jodhamal Public School) secured the senior title. Besides, members of the women's Bike Rally from Shakti Udghosh Foundation were also felicitated.

Addressing the gathering, B M Sharma said that Heritage Week 2025 was a remarkable success, largely because of its inclusive and diverse range of activities. The evening ended on a cultural note, celebrating Jammu & Kashmir’s living heritage with pride and warmth.