Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Wednesday that peace is being restored in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Union Territory is reverting to its ancient civilization and customs following the repeal of Article 370.
The Home Minister was addressing after video conferencing the Maa Sharda Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara area. On August 5, 2019, the Centre repealed Articles 370 and 35(A) from the former state. On the same day, Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Shah stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government is refurbishing several temples and religion institutions in Jammu and Kashmir in order to revitalise the culture.
According to the Minister, Sharda Peeth has been a historical centre of India’s cultural, religious, and educational legacy.
“Modi government will move in the direction of opening Sharda Peeth for devotees like Kartarpur Corridor. The Valley and Jammu are once again returning to their old traditions, civilization and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb due to the establishment of peace in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 following the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
According to Shah, the Modi administration has made measures in all sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, including the resuscitation of culture, in keeping with its commitment to social and economic development.
“Under this, systematic restoration and repair work is going on at 123 identified places, which include many temples and Sufi places.”
He stated that the first phase of renovations will cost Rs 65 crore. According to the Minister, 31 mega-cultural activities have also been created by pinpointing the locations of 75 religious and Sufi saints.
“A total of 20 cultural festivals have also been organized here in every district which will help a lot in reviving our old heritage.”
The Home Minister started his address by wishing the countrymen a new year and said, “Today on the occasion of New Year, the newly constructed temple of Maa Sharda has been opened for the devotees and this is an auspicious sign for the devotees from all over India.”
The inauguration of Maa Sharda’s temple, according to Shah, marks the beginning of a new age, and the architecture and building of this temple were done in accordance with legendary texts under the auspices of Sharda Peeth.
“The idol of Sharda Maa, donated by the Sringeri Math, has been brought here on a journey since January 24 till it was installed here today. The reconstruction of Maa Sharda’s temple in Kupwara is a necessary and important step in the direction of discovery of Sharda-civilization and promotion of Sharda-script.”
According to Shah, Sharda Peeth was once considered the epicentre of knowledge in the Indian subcontinent, with intellectuals from all across the country flocking here in pursuit of texts and spiritual enlightenment. He claimed that Sharda script is the indigenous script of Kashmir, and that it was named after his mother (Sharda Devi).
“This is one of the Mahashakti Peethas and according to beliefs, the right hand of Maa Sati fell here.”
Many dignitaries attended the event, including Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Shah praised Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who attended the ceremony with numerous other dignitaries, adding, “the zeal with which the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has worked to implement all the flagship schemes of Prime Minister Modi is praiseworthy.”
He stated that, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Manoj Sinha has played a significant role in attracting industrial investment to Jammu & Kashmir.
“This beginning today will help in bringing back the lost grandeur of this place and this place will remain the center of worship of Maa Sharda and the awakening of consciousness inspired by her in India for ages.”
