1111 shrines in Valley make heads of Kashmiris high: Renzu

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Dr. Farooq inaugurates Sufi festival at SKICC

1. Tears trickle down from the eyes of Dr. Farooq and emotionally surcharged audience
2. ‘Kashmir Civilization’ written by Kh Farooq Ahmad Renzu, depicting the treasure of human love and concept of brotherhood concealed in the hearts of each Kashmiri released.
3. Cultural Academy, Information, DDK Sgr, Toursim Deptt and other important Deptts participated actively
4. Imams, Mufti Azam distinguished personalities of shrines appreciated spiritual Manqabats and Sufi Natia Kalam
5. People from 162 countries witnessed the programme live

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU/SRINAGAR, NOV 7: The paradisaical land of Kashmir has witnessed the rise of many famous saints, sufis, Munis and Sadhus. The rich religious heritage of the region is prominent in its ancient shrines. The Shrines in Kashmir are not only religiously significant but have immense archaeological and historical importance attached to them.

“Kashmir is the name of civilization which has since time immemorial been centre of knowledge,” said Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu and added that due to blessing of these Aulia Kirams and one thousands one hundred eleven shrine present in every nook and corner of the valley, the heads of Kashmiris are high.

He added that the history is witness to the fact that when China was being considered as source of knowledge, Kashmir was supreme at that time also from knowledge point of view. Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu was speaking at the inaugural programme of 3-days Sufi Festival at SKICC Srinagar on Saturday. The festival was formally inaugurated by the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah.

He expressed thanks to Director Doordarshan for ensuring live coverage of the festival in 162 countries of the world and complimented the distinguished audience and people of Kashmir for their full support in organizing such a great event.

Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu also thanked Secretary Cultural Academy and Director Tourism for their extra-ordinary support to make this every successful.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah in his inaugural address while lauding the efforts of Director of Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu for organizing such a great event said that the contribution of Doordarshan, Radio and Academy in promoting art and culture is worth mentioning. He said today he feels very happy that Sufi Festival has been exclusively dedicated for Aulia Kirams and Sufi Saints of Kashmir as existence in all Kashmiris are because of blessings of great Sufi Saints. He added that we as Muslims believe that whole universe was created only for our great Prophet (SAW) and any function where respect and tributes are paid in honour of great Prophet (SAW) and Aulia Kirams is really worth appreciation and applause. He was happy to see Mufti Azam and Imams of various Khankhas and Shrines besides a large number of people in this spiritual function. Dr. Farooq Abdullah while comparing recently held Amir Khusroo function and the present festival said that with an active involvement of heads of department of Jammu and Kashmir he found the current 3 days Sufi Festival very impressive which received attention of large public.

On this occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also awarded the little son of Mr. Qaiser Nizami for his performance in such an event.

In a spiritual atmosphere where besides Imams and Mujavirs of important Shrines of Kashmir and a large gathering of people were present, at the inaugural and impressive function. Tears trickled down from the eyes of Union Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and emotionally surcharged audience on the occasion.

At the beginning of the festival, the video cassette entitled “Kashmir Civilization” written by Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, Director Information and PR was released depicting the treasure of human love and concept of brotherhood concealed in the hearts of each Kashmiri.

The function was organized by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Kashmir Sufi Society, Tourism and Information departments and Doordarshan, Srinagar. While welcoming the distinguished personalities who attended the festival Secretary, Cultural Academy, Mr. Zaffar Iqbal Manhas said keeping in view the facts that majority of the people in Kashmir believe in Sufi saints and Aulia-e-Kiram, this initiative was taken with active support of Departments of Information, Tourism and Doordarshan. On this occasion, Mufti Azam, Mufti Mohammad Bashir-ud-Din, Vice Chairman Wakaf Board, Prof. M.Y Qadiri, former Chairman of Public Service Commission, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Pandit, Educationist Aga Ashraf Ali, Imam of Bulbul Shah mosque, Imam and Mujavir of Khrew Shrine, besides Mujavirs of Dastgeer Sahib, Mukhdoom Sahib, Khanqai Mo-alla, Naqashband Sahib, Syed Sahib Sonwar and others were present in large number.

Mr. Qaiser Nazimi and Mir Muneer enthralled the audience through Manqabats and Sufi Kalam of Amir Khusroo. The Shahi Qawals of Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz Dargah Amjeer Sharief headed by Amjad Hussain Asrar and Aslam Hussain Asrar created emotional atmosphere when they recited Sufi Qawali praising Prophet (SAW), Sufi Saints and Aulia Kirams of Ajmeer and Kashmir.

Reports also came that Kashmiris presently living in USA, London, Middle East etc were watching this Sufi Festival through live telecast and lauded through e-mails, the efforts of projecting real sufi culture globally which has received all round applause.

JK to launch Employment Policy on Dec 5

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Jammu and Kashmir Government is launching employment policy on December 05, 2009 which will benefit 4.75 lakh unemployed youth of the state, who have registered themselves in various employment and counselling centres in their respective districts. Skill development institutions are also being established in 22 districts of the state. These institutions would help unemployed youth to get employment in various sectors.

Government is contemplating to provide employment opportunities to 30-40 thousand educated unemployed youth during the current financial year.

Relevant to mention here that the government in the recent cabinet meeting has sanctioned an Overseas Employment Corporation to provide assistance to the unemployed youth for getting employment within and outside the country.

JK to develop Bangus Valley as Eco-Tourism spot

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Rs. 2.32 Cr. released for basic infrastructure development

Jammu and Kashmir Government has released a project worth Rs. 2.32 Crores for the development of the Bungus Valley on first phase to provide basic infrastructure. Sources said that a comprehensive project worth Rs 4.77 crores have also been formulated for the second phase adding that Tourism Department would develop it as a biosphere tourist destination to maintain its ecological balance and natural beauty. There would be no construction within the 300 Sq. Kilometers of Bungus Valley. Tracking paths would be constructed from Wader Bala via Zachaldara side and Nildoori via Nowgam Langate side. Foot bridges would also be constructed on this track.

The beautiful Bangus Valley have great potential for becoming Asia’s biggest golf course spreading around 300 sq km which is locally known as Bodha Bungas (big Bangus) consists of a linear call bowl aligned along the east west axis.

The valley is surrounded Jawar and Mawar in east, Shamusbarry and Daglungun mountains in the Chokibal and Karnah galli in the north and Leepa mountains in the west. A similar sight valley known as Lokut Bangus (small Bangus) lies in the north side of the main Valley.

The foundation stone of Tourist Guest House has also laid at Chandigam Sogam which is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 98 lakhs as first phase. The Guest House comprises of nine bed rooms and one Conference Hall. In second phase some doormatries, camping sites and indoor games would be developed in the area for adventure tourism.

J&K government has launched an ambitious project of tourism development in the state and identification of new scenic spots like Bungus is a step in that direction.

State government has accorded top priority to development of Bungus Valley so that it becomes a permanent fixture on the tourism map of the state. Officials say that efforts are would be made to provide better road connectivity to the Bungus Valley as well as creation of tourism related infrastructure.

The tourism potential of the district offer avenues of employment generation for the educated jobless youths.