Srinagar, Jun 20 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called for reviving India’s rich traditions of knowledge and spirituality and strengthening cultural diplomacy, saying the country must build a future-oriented education system that connects youth with both ancient wisdom and modern technology.
Addressing the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue here, Sinha said the country’s goal should be to revive its knowledge heritage, strengthen civilisational traditions and promote an education system rooted in cultural values while embracing technological advancements.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the Department of Culture, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the National School of Drama and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara University.
Sinha said good governance and cultural dialogue together shape the moral, cultural and human character of society and help formulate inclusive policies.
“Together, the scholars of Jammu and Kashmir and Nalanda shaped one of the world’s oldest living civilisations. This heritage is our guiding light. The Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue is our opportunity to carry that light forward with wisdom, courage and a new vision for Viksit Bharat,” he said.
The lieutenant governor stressed the need to strengthen India’s soft power and promote cultural diplomacy.
“Centuries ago, India’s knowledge unified the globe. Today, we can be the bridge the world needs. The world is watching. Let us lead with confidence and compassion,” he said.
Highlighting India’s cultural diversity, Sinha said the younger generation had inherited a rich legacy of languages, beliefs, artistic traditions and philosophical schools.
“From Bihar to Jammu and Kashmir, from the temples of Tamil Nadu to the monasteries of Ladakh, each region preserves its distinct cultural identity and rhythm of life. Our shared aim should be to weave these diversities into a harmonious unity that enriches the nation’s collective consciousness,” he said.
Sinha said Indian civilisation had long been defined by centres of learning such as Nalanda, Takshashila and Vikramashila, which attracted scholars and travellers from across Asia and beyond.
He described Nalanda as a centre of critical thinking and intellectual inquiry, while referring to Jammu and Kashmir as the historic seat of learning associated with Sharda Peeth.
The lieutenant governor said there was a need to revive the tradition of open exchange of ideas and intellectual engagement, drawing inspiration from the historical links between Nalanda and Kashmir.
He also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting ancient towns with rich cultural and educational heritage, including Srinagar, Nalanda, Jammu, Varanasi, Hampi, Sanchi, Madurai, Puri and Thanjavur.
Sinha said infrastructure development, heritage conservation and platforms such as the Srinagar-Nalanda Dialogue were essential to fostering cultural exchange and promoting India’s civilisational values.
Several academicians, literary personalities, senior officials and students attended the event. (NVI)
