IKS to set up world class library in KU

Governor chairs Executive Council meeting

The Institute of Kashmir Studies will set up a world class library of Sufi Culture in the University of Kashmir in collaboration with UNESCO and Library of Congress, Washington.

This was stated at the Executive Council meeting of the Institute of Kashmir Studies held here today under the Chairmanship of the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of the Institute.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor emphasized the need for increasing the circulation of the Journal of Kashmir Studies, brought out by the Institute, so that people all over are made aware about the glorious pluralistic ethos and high traditions of Kashmiriyat.

The Governor highlighted the need for associating renowned scholars with the Institute who have made a remarkable contribution in language, literature, history and culture. He said this would help in giving fillip to the activities of the Institute and making it a centre of excellence to achieve its objectives.

It was stated at the meeting that a Buddhist seminar is being organized by the Institute at Leh shortly on the topic of contribution of Kashmir to Buddhism.

The meeting discussed the agenda items in detail and took decisions on these. It also considered the matter with regard to the membership of the Institute and the fixation of amount of scholarship to be awarded to the scholars from the SAARC countries for which a provision of Rs. 4 lakh has been approved.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Varun Sahni, Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr. B. B. Vyas and Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, Mr. N. K. Verma participated in the meeting.

Earlier, the Director of the Institute, Prof. G. M. Khawaja gave a resume of the activities of the Institute and its future plan of action.