Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated Veshow Festival in Kulgam, said festival has emerged as symbol of intellectual, literary and cultural consciousness of Jammu Kashmir.
Addressing scholars, writers, poets, artists and literary enthusiasts, LG said since launch in 2023 festival evolved into vibrant and widely recognised forum for dialogue, creativity and cultural exchange. Growing participation of writers and readers demonstrates ideas and creative expression transcend geographical boundaries.
Named after Veshow Stream, major tributary of Jhelum originating in Kousarnag-Aharbal catchment joining Jhelum at Sangam, three-day festival runs Nov 11-13 at Government Degree College Kulgam.
Speaking on Kulgam's civilisational heritage, LG said district represents unique cultural tradition where spirituality, creativity, nature and humanity have long coexisted.
Highlighting Rishi-Sufi tradition, LG recalled contributions of Yogini Lalleshwari Lal Ded, Nund Rishi Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali, Sayyid Hussain Simnani and other saints who laid foundations of compassion, simplicity, brotherhood and spiritual awakening.
Universal human vision of Rishi-Sufi tradition places humanity above divisions and dialogue above discord, he said. Described Veshow Literary Festival as modern expression of living legacy and celebration of ideas, creativity and future possibilities.
Unique design: literature, art, heritage and livelihood together. Besides literary discussions and book launches, festival showcases traditional craftsmanship and antique village highlighting region's history.
LG appreciated participation of CPI-M leader and Kulgam MLA Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, DDC former chairman Mohd Afzal Parray, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg.
Five-point agenda proposed for future:
1. Creation of Veshow Archive to document oral traditions, folk tales and folk poetry
2. Use modern language technologies to promote multilingual translations
3. Expansion of mobile libraries to remote villages
4. Integration with tourism, handicrafts and homestays, leveraging branding to promote offbeat destinations
5. Establishment of Veshow Writers' Residency to attract authors and poets from across country, plus youth-led cultural podcasts
We must resolve to make Jammu Kashmir the cultural centre of country, must transform festival into cultural movement, LG said. Inspire young minds, support artisans.
Security backdrop: Same day two motorcycle-borne terrorists fired at CRPF checkpoint at Akhran, Mir Bazar Kulgam around 2:15 pm injuring three jawans, first attack in district since Aug 1 when labourers killed in Kelam. LG visited hospital in Srinagar evening to enquire about injured, reviewed security at Lok Bhavan, but continued festival as scheduled.
Analysis:
Veshow timing symbolic. In south Kashmir often seen through security lens, culture festival asserts alternative narrative rooted in syncretic Rishi-Sufi heritage, not new import. LG framing of books, art, livelihood together is economic logic, links literary capital to artisan income and tourism, similar to Jaipur model but with local stream identity. Archive and mobile libraries address oral heritage loss in militancy years. Occurrence of attack same day underscores challenge of making cultural consciousness visible amid security reality, yet LG's decision to inaugurate as planned reinforces message that dialogue above discord.
Tags: #VeshowFestival #Kulgam #LGSinha #JammuKashmir #RishiSufi #LalDed #NundRishi #CulturalConsciousness #VeshowArchive