JAMMU, OCT 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for transforming Basohli into an internationally recognised centre of art, culture, literature and creativity, emphasising the need to preserve its rich artistic heritage while creating new opportunities for artists, artisans and the younger generation.
Congratulating the Department of Culture, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Vishwasthali NGO, the Divisional Commissioner and the District Administration for the successful conclusion of the three-day fourth edition of Basohli Utsav on Wednesday, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the people of Basohli for their contribution to the festival’s growing stature and the promotion of the region’s distinctive cultural identity.
Highlighting Basohli’s extraordinary artistic legacy, traditional knowledge and creative traditions, Sinha said the historic town possesses immense potential to emerge as one of India’s prominent cultural destinations. He envisioned Basohli as a vibrant platform where renowned artists, writers, scholars and cultural practitioners from across the world could assemble, exchange ideas and engage in meaningful artistic and literary dialogue.
“Our objective is very clear that Basohli should secure its place among the cultural capitals of the country and that various genres, from literature to art, should take root here. I wish to see Basohli develop as a centre of art and literature where renowned artists, writers, and practitioners from across the world come together and engage in dialogue. We have taken steps in this direction, but there is still a long way to go,” he said.
Underscoring the historical importance of the renowned Basohli school of painting, the Lieutenant Governor observed that art preserves the memories of civilisations and connects generations through a shared cultural identity. He expressed confidence that the cultural revival underway in Basohli would inspire young people to appreciate their heritage, nurture their creative abilities and contribute to building a lasting artistic legacy.
He stressed that the preservation of traditional art forms must go hand in hand with their contemporary promotion, ensuring that the region’s distinctive artistic traditions remain relevant and accessible to future generations.
Referring to the growing recognition of India’s artists and artisans under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha highlighted the vision of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi, which emphasises the importance of pursuing development while safeguarding the country’s cultural inheritance.
He called for ensuring that eligible artisans receive timely access to training, credit facilities, modern tools, design assistance and market linkages under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Such support, he said, is essential to strengthening traditional livelihoods, improving the economic prospects of artisans and creating sustainable opportunities within the cultural and creative sectors.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged young people to combine traditional knowledge with modern innovation and make effective use of digital platforms and e-commerce to showcase Basohli’s artistic products and cultural heritage to national and international audiences.
Appreciating the focus on Shakti Parampara, the central theme of this year’s Basohli Utsav, Sinha called upon all stakeholders to collectively preserve, promote and take pride in India’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.
He emphasised that cultural festivals should serve not merely as celebrations of the past but also as platforms for encouraging artistic expression, strengthening community participation and opening new avenues for cultural exchange and economic activity.
Concluding his message, the Lieutenant Governor called for a renewed commitment to honouring artists and artisans and instilling pride in cultural heritage among the younger generation.
“Let us take a resolve as we conclude the Basohli Utsav that we will honour our artists and artisans, and teach the new generation to take pride in their heritage. Let us resolve that when the world speaks of Basohli, it will speak not only of its glorious past, but also of a present filled with confidence,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor’s vision places Basohli’s cultural heritage at the centre of its future development, with a focus on bringing traditional art, creative innovation, tourism and livelihood opportunities together to establish the historic town as a destination of national and international cultural significance.
