Page 8 - The Indian EYE 011025

EYE ON INDIA JANUARY 10, 2025 | The Indian Eye 8

LOOKING FORWARD 2025

Govt plans to revive historic, cultural

heritage of Kashmir and Ladakh

Indian Army emphasizes the importance of honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by
Indian soldiers, particularly along the Line of Control in J&K

OUR BUREAU
Srinagar/New Delhi
nion Home Minister Amit Shah has as-
serted that Prime Minister Narendra Mo-
Udi-led government is committed to reviving
the historic and cultural heritage of Kashmir and
that we will soon ‘reclaim what has been lost.’ Shah
made the statement on Thursday after releasing
the book ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Through
the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and
Linkages’ here in the national capital.
Amit Shah firmly stated that Kashmir always
has been and will continue to remain an inseparable
part of India. He further stressed that no legal pro-
vision could ever sever this bond, pointing “there
were attempts to separate Kashmir from India in
the past but time itself has nullified those efforts.”
Shah said that there was a myth that India was
never united and the idea of independence for this
country was meaningless -- a misconception that
many had come to accept as truth. The Minister
highlighted that while for most countries, geo-pol-
itics have defined their boundaries, India’s case is Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and others during
unique in the way that this nation has been defined the launch of the book ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi
by its geo-cultural expanse, and whose borders are on Thursday (ANI Photo/Shrikant Singh)
made up of cultural unity.
Home Minister remarked that the relationship
between Kashmir, Ladakh, Shaivism, and Bud- itage. Shah highlighted that Kashmir and Ladakh weather conditions -- from searing heat in the sum-
dhism has been eloquently captured in this book have historically served as centers of civilization, mer in Rajasthan to bone-chilling cold in the win-
and exhibition. He commended the documenta- fostering creation, preservation, and cultural pro- ter in Ladakh, J&K, Himachal, Arunachal Pradesh
tion of scripts, knowledge systems, spirituality, cul- motion. Numerous examples of this rich legacy and Sikkim -- remains steadfast in its duty,” it said.
ture, and languages, emphasizing the meticulous are detailed in the book, noting that Kashmir has “The rugged, treacherous terrain, often cov-
effort that went into presenting this rich heritage. always been a land of inclusivity, embracing and ered in snow or turning into a swamp during the
Covering Kashmir’s 8,000-year history, Shah nurturing diverse faiths. monsoon, presents constant challenges, yet our
likened this comprehensive effort to encapsulating Meanwhile, the Indian Army on Tuesday em- soldiers persevere with unwavering commitment:
the sacred Ganga within a vessel. He noted that for phasized the importance of honoring and remem- Indian Army,” it added.
150 years, some people’s understanding of history bering the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, par- The Western Command of the Indian Army
was “confined to narrow geographies--from Dari- ticularly those posted along the Line of Control on Wednesday conveyed greetings and best wish-
ba to Ballimaran or Lutyens to Gymkhana. He (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir as they continue to es to all ranks, Veterans, Defense Civil employees
stressed that history cannot be written from a dis- uphold their duty with perseverance and unwaver- and their families for New Year 2025.
tance but requires engaging directly with the peo- ing dedication. Earlier on December 28, the Chinar Warriors
ple and understanding their lived experiences.” In a post on X, the Indian Army said that the corps of the Indian Army responded to a distress
Shah emphasized that the time has come to armed forces remain steadfast and resolute in their call from civil administration to evacuate tourists
move beyond history written to appease past rul- mission to protect the nation’s borders., despite stranded in Gulmarg district of the territory. The
ers, and He urged historians to confidently docu- facing extreme weather conditions. “As we wel- tourists and civilians were stranded due to un-
ment India’s history using evidence, facts, and the come the New Year, it’s important to take a mo- precedented heavy snowfall in tourist destination
perspective of its rich, millennia-old culture, and to ment to reflect on the incredible sacrifices made by Gulmarg and the subsequent closure of the road
present it to the world with pride. our soldiers, especially those guarding the Line of to Tanmarg. Responding to the call, the Army per-
He remarked that today, India stands as an Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Army sonnel evacuated 68 civilians, including 30 men
independent nation with a government committed posted on X. and women each and eight children and provided
to upholding the values and ideas rooted in its her- “The Indian Army, despite facing extreme meals, shelter and medication to 137 tourists.

www.TheIndianEYE.com