SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE INSTITUTE OF KASHMIR STUDIES AT THE KASHMIR UNIVERSITY

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 26th May 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to participate in the inaugural function of the Institute of Kashmir Studies at Kashmir University. I would like to congratulate all those who have been involved in its inception and wish them success.

Kashmir has had a rich and vibrant cultural history and a tradition of learning and scholarly pursuit since times immemorial. Its enchanting beauty has attracted thinkers and philosophers, seers and sages, kings and noblemen, travelers and traders, from far and wide. Through the ages, it has been a melting pot of ideas, which have been distilled into the finest traditions of learning, tolerance and cultural cohesion. Whether be it Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism, all these religions have for centuries been a part of the spiritual landscape of the State.

All this has evolved into the unique concept of "Kashmiriyat", the cohesive historical-cultural identity of the people of the State, which represents an ethos of liberal values, religious and social harmony, mutual co-existence and brotherhood. It reflects the contributions made by thinkers and men of letters like Charak, Bhartrihari, Bilhana and Kalhana and saints and sages called Rishis and Sufis, in whose name Kashmir is still known as 'Reshiwari' or abode of Rishis. Spiritual thinkers such as Lal Ded and Nund Rishi spread the message of love, tolerance and compassion, which left a deep imprint on the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their legacy, over a period of time has etched itself so much into the collective consciousness of the region, that it cannot be eroded. Kashmiriyat is a living legacy. It has withstood the test of time, and it is now for us to continue to nurture it so that it is preserved for future generations.

The Institute of Kashmir Studies, in a sense, continues this rich tradition of learning and scholarship. I congratulate all those who have worked towards the setting up of this Institute. I hope that it will contribute to the study and assimilation of knowledge about the history, cultural values and socio-economic structure of society in Jammu and Kashmir. It will provide a platform for scholars in the field of Kashmir studies regarding ideas on pluralistic cultures and tolerant societies. The younger generation should be involved in the studies, so as to benefit from this initiative. The scope for preservation of culture is wide and can cover a broad spectrum of activities such as finding and conserving valuable manuscripts as well as conducting research into languages, art and literature. This work, I am sure, will interest not only scholars of this Institute but also of other Universities and academic bodies in the State and other parts of the country as well.

Jammu and Kashmir is nature's manifestation in its pristine form. Its scenic beauty, its different seasons and the abundance of water, make it a paradise on Earth. Kalhana, the great poet of Kashmir, wrote, "Learning, lofty houses, saffron, icy waters and grapes. Things, that even in heaven are difficult to find, are common here". During my visit to the State, so far I have traveled to Srinagar, Tangdhar, Baramulla and Gulmarg. I could not go to Bhaderwah due to bad weather. I intend to go today. I have had the opportunity to see the beauty and the culture, the friendly and hospitable people, the ethos and diversity as well as the progress and development of the State.

Building a future of hope and optimism for Jammu and Kashmir is a collective endeavor in which every person is a participant and a contributor. It requires that Government, civil society and all communities and sections of the people of Jammu and Kashmir work together. I am aware of the difficulties that the people of this State have undergone due to violence and terrorism. However, we are all proud of the resilient and strong people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have demonstrated, over the past few years, their determination to move ahead on the constructive path of peace and progress. This is the true path. Both the State and the Central Government have taken the development of the State, as a top priority agenda and enunciated policies and programmes towards this end. The objective is to secure a better life for our citizens where each one can have the opportunity to grow. The State has tremendous potential in horticulture, floriculture, handicraft, tourism and IT among others. Equally important is our determination to create a secure environment and to defeat the divisive designs of terrorism and violence.

Education is essential for nation building and for the empowerment of its people. The education system should equip students with skill sets so that they can earn their livelihood, impart knowledge so that they can contribute to their country and inculcate values that will make them tolerant individuals, concerned about the well being of humankind. Education should also strengthen the values of secularism, democracy, inclusiveness and pluralism. These values give strength and sustenance not only to our diverse multi-cultural society but also to our country. I am told that the State Government has taken a number of measures to expand the educational infrastructure. I would encourage and urge that work in this direction continues so that education facilities are available to all.

As I have said earlier, all of us must work together for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. The State Government has taken a number of measures and initiatives to help create necessary conditions for development. I congratulate the State Government, particularly the Chief Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad for taking the State forward on the road to development. The Government of India through centrally sponsored programmes and the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan is committed to strengthen the economic and social infrastructure of the State. I am confident that we can all work together to create a prosperous and peaceful Kashmir. As the great Kashmiri poet, Mehjoor has written, and I quote: -

"Vwolo haa baagvaano, navbahaaruk shaan paadaa kar.

Phwlon gul gath karan, bulbul tithe saamaan paadaa kar"

(O Gardener! Create the glory of spring!

Make the flowers bloom and the birds sing - create such haunts!)

The reference to spring and flowers in this beautiful composition by Mehjoor, reminds me of the occasions that I had, to meet groups of women and children who came from Jammu and Kashmir to Rashtrapati Bhavan. When I met them in the Mughal Gardens, which have been inspired by the beautiful gardens of Kashmir, I was struck by the thought that just as the many varieties of flowers make a garden beautiful, the diversity of our people has created the vibrant Indian nation. I am confident that our unity in diversity will lead the country to greater glory. I am also confident that the spirit of Kashmiriyat will flourish and the fragrance of mutual love and affection will spread beyond the precincts of Jammu and Kashmir and become a way of life.

I wish the Institute success in its endeavors, and would like to convey to the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir my best wishes for peace, progress, prosperity and happiness.

Thank you.

JAI HIND