Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), organized a webinar on ”Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ with a focus on celebrating the cultural diversity of Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu.
Scholars and writers shared the knowledge of the cultural traditions and practices of both regions. Ms.D.Pushpa, Sh.J.Niranjan, Ms.S. Logamani, Ms. Varunani Ra Na represented Tamil Nadu, whereas Dr. Virendra Bangroo, Sh. Upinder Ambardar, Sh.Inayat Gul, Sh. Narindra Safaya and Sh. Swaran Singh Kohistani represented Jammu & Kashmir.Sh. Sumanta Sarthi Sharma, HoD, School of Philosophy and Culture, and Faculty Coordinator of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” SMVD University, welcomed all participants. Dr. Bangroo, Regional Director, IGNCA talked about cultural relations and assimilations, which led to the emergence of one nation since time immemorial.
Ms. D. Pushpa, teacher and social worker, spoke on the topic, “The beauty of Nilgiri.” She gave a socio-cultural account of tribes and communities living in the region. Sh.J.Niranjan, a Documentary filmmaker, gave a presentation on Art and culture (cinema). He talked about the universal appeal and impact of Indian cinema cutting across the barriers of language. Ms.S. Logamani, the teacher, gave an illustrated account of the temples and culture of Tamil Nadu. Ms.Varunani Ra Na, a Teacher, talked about Tamil Nadu Food and hospitality. She also spoke about the wazwan of Kashmir. Tamil cuisine originating in the southern Indian state Tamil Nadu and other parts of South Asia like Sri Lanka is now famous all over India.
Sh. Upinder Ambardar, a writer, gave an overview of the Spiritual landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Sh. Inayat Gul, writer, poet, gave a presentation on the Composite Culture of Kashmir. He talked about the Rishi cult of Kashmir, which has got universal appeal. Sh. Narindra Safaya, writer, poet talked about cuisine and culture and said that south Indian food is known nationally and internationally. Swaran Singh Kohistani, Poet and writer, shared his views on the cultural heritage of the Duggar region. Jammu province is rich in ecological and cultural diversity. Sh. Sharma, HoD, SoPC, SMVD University, thanked the participants for delivering the lectures. He also thanked the SMVD University and IGNCA administration for their constant support.