Lt Governor visits Basohli

Kathua, 20 August (H.S) :Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of new building of Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli and unveiled the naming of Basohli Art Gallery- ?SAHKI?.

The Lt Governor also laid the e-foundation of Water Sports Centre at Ranjit Sagar Dam, to be completed at a cost of Rs 3 cr by March 2022; e-inaugurated the infrastructure of GDC Bani constructed at Rs 8.76 cr, besides developmental works of PWD, Health and Education sector worth Rs 8.39 cr and launched Divyang Sahayak – ?An initiative to provide prosthetic aid to specially-abled persons?.

While speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that like Banaras, J&K has always been a great centre of Sanskrit. “It is our collective responsibility to revive its glory. It is important for us to create opportunities for preservation and promotion of our civilization values”, LG said.

The Lt Governor further said that the inaugurations of various projects in Basohli today show the resolute commitment of the UT administration towards the economic, cultural, and social development of Basohli and adjoining areas.

?We are making efforts to revive the historical glory of Basohli and promote it as a unique destination for water sports with state-of-the-art facilities on the lines of Water Sports Centre at Srinagar, providing all necessary resources to the sports talent?, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor continued that the foundation stone laying of the new building of Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan is a historic moment. Pandit Uttam Chand Pathak Shastri had done a great and noble work in promoting Sanskrit language, its culture and heritage values.

Sanskrit is the only language of our country which has not only united different regions but also created a close relationship between Guru and disciples and its values were also recognized by great personalities like Albert Einstein, Oppenheimer, and Max Muller, he remarked.

?It should be our endeavor that Sanskrit is taught in schools according to the modern requirements. Today’s generation would like to get acquainted with wisdom in Sanskrit scriptures while dealing with the emerging challenges?, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor further observed that along with five official languages, the UT administration is trying to promote Sanskrit language according to the recommendations of the New Education Policy, and to establish Abhinav Gupta Institute.

Noting that the water Sports in J&K has seen significant development over the past few years, earning national and international reputation, the Lt Governor said that the Sports Centre on Ranjit Sagar Dam would provide ample opportunities to young boys and girls in various sports disciplines, besides generating employment avenues for local population.

Recalling his address to the students of NIFT, the Lt Governor said that the art and design of Basohli has shown path to the world. Government has initiated the work for GI tagging of Basohli Art, Tweed Fabric in April this year, and it will regain its glory soon.

?We must bring back its pride and rejuvenate the Basohli art?, he added.

Citing a report of the Department of Archeology, the Lt Governor said that it is the uniqueness and vitality of Basohli art that even after centuries, researchers are working on its origin and subsequent development.

Terming community participation as a priority of the UT government, the Lt Governor said that the administration is involving people in the developmental efforts to make it more effective and people-centric.