IKS will promote the spirit of Kashmiriyat, J

Srinagar, May 26 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha today exuded confidence that the Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS) would promote the spirit of Kashmiriyat and strive for disseminating this message not only in South Asia but all over the world.

In his address at the inaugural session of the IKS at University of Kashmir here, the Governor said the aim of this Institute is to study Kashmiriyat in all its aspects of culture, literature, history and philosophy.

Established two years ago, General Sinha said Rs one crore was obtained from the Centre for the purpose.

He said national and international seminars were held and apart from scholars from different parts of our country, we have had participants from Pakistan and Central Asian Republics, with whom we share old historical and cultural ties.

General Sinha said during the course of interaction it was discovered that the University of Lahore already had a Department of Kashmiriyat, before Centre for Kashmir Studies was established here.

On the rechristening of the Centre into an Institute, the Governor said he had an occasion to interact with the UN Goodwill Ambassador and Founder Trustee of South Asian Foundation, Madanjeet Singh last year, who showed enthusiasm about the project and it was decided to upgrade and reorganise the Centre of Kashmir Studies expanding its area of activities to cover all the South Asian Countries.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the South Asian Foundation, which has promised a grant of Rs four crores.

The Centre has been registered as an autonomous institution and redesignated as the Institute of Kashmir Studies.

''We are happy that this Institute is being inaugurated by the President Prathiba Devisingh Patil'', the Governor said, adding that this is a red letter day not only for the University but Jammu and Kashmir State as a whole.

He also mentioned about Pakistan Junoon Band bonanza yesterday here and said ''We feel very encouraged to find that music transcends boundaries and can be used to launch a jihad for peace, transcending boundaries and bitterness of the past''.

UNI BAS GT AS1510