At the two-day National Tribal Festival in Gurez, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the contributions of the Dard-Shina community, calling them a “precious treasure of India.” The festival was created to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of this community.
Speaking virtually, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the Dard-Shina community’s deep connection to nature offers a powerful lesson in sustainable living. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for preserving and restoring the dignity of tribal cultures.
Sinha noted that since 2019, the government has focused on empowering tribal communities and ending decades of injustice. He highlighted a key achievement for Gurez: being connected to grid power in 2023 for the first time since 1947, demonstrating a strong commitment to the region.
As part of the festivities, Sinha also inaugurated the Shina Gilgit 88.8 FM Radio Station, a new community radio station dedicated to the Dard-Shina people. He encouraged the station to broadcast the community’s rich history and cultural heritage, inspiring the younger generation.
The Lieutenant Governor praised Gurez’s development as an offbeat tourist destination, now recognized as a top travel spot for outdoor enthusiasts. He suggested the new radio station’s programming should reflect the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Sinha also extended his appreciation to the Indian Army, the Tribal Affairs Department, the District Administration, and other organizations for their efforts in promoting the Dard-Shina community’s heritage.
The event featured performances by artists from across India celebrating “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India), and members of the tribal community were honored for their service to society and the Indian Army. The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large crowd, including local dignitaries and senior officials.
