Jammu, January 19 (Scoop News) – The Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today said that Jammu and Kashmir has been abode of great Sufis and saints, who have pioneered unique Sufi culture characterized by peace, love and tolerance. The younger generation needs to be acquainted fully with the rich Sufi ethos to nurture and conserve the composite culture for posterity, he said.
Tara Chand was speaking at a magnificent Sufi festival held in the lawns of Higher Secondary School, Khour in Akhnoor,Jammu. The programme was organized by Information Department in collaboration with Sa Ma Pa.
“Sufi festivals play pivotal role in bringing people together and create amicable atmosphere in all parts of the sub-continent as great sufi saints have always propagated the concept of brotherhood, peace and mutual love,”, said Tara Chand
Stating that State’s composite cultural ethos have universal appeal, Tara Chand said these traditions need to be promoted through periodic festivals, cultural shows, operas, etc. He said sufi events help bring inner awakening necessary for spiritual growth and pious and harmonious living.
The well known centaur maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori, classical singer Ragini made a mesmerizing performance on the occasion.
Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, Director School Education, G. A. Qureshi spoke on the occasion.
Khawaja Renzushah emphasized on following the path of pious personalities who have revolutionized the world by propagating messages of love, peace and brotherhood. He said the new generations have to ponder over the new challenges, causes of tension and reasons of hatred and play a constructive role to eliminate hatred from the society and develop a broad vision of development and global brotherhood.
Qureshi also appreciated Director Information for organizing such a grand sufi festival near the borders, which he said has provided a good chance to new generation to understand the rich of spiritual heritage of the state.
Abhay Sopori, who has been giving his splendid performances for last one week in different parts of Jammu said, “I belong to 8th generation of my family who have played key role in carrying forward the santour music from Kashmir to different parts of the country”. He said in the present world there is most acceptability to santoor music as it has originated from the place which is paradise on the earth.