SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today said Kashmir has remained a seat of knowledge and learning since centuries when religious and spiritual discourses used to take place among the saints, scholars and preachers of varied faiths.
One and all need to make continued efforts to restore the pristine glory of the State as an abode of peace, harmony and knowledge, Mr Vohra said after inaugurating a two-day International Seminar on ‘Kashmir Shaivism’, organised by the Ishwar Ashram Trust, Ishbar Nishat, at S K International Convention Complex (SKICC), here today.
The Governor referred to the unfortunate phase through which the State passed in the past years and stressed the very high importance of adherence to the high traditions of inclusiveness which Kashmir had propagated.
Speaking extensively about salient features and various approaches of Kashmir Shaivism, the Governor emphasised the need for promoting inclusive ideologies and approaches which is the need of the hour.
In this context, he recalled the outstanding contribution of Swami Lakshman Joo towards the propagation of the philosophic, religious and spiritual traditions of Kashmir Shaivism, which has inherent traditions and values of inclusiveness.
The Governor congratulated the trustees for organising this seminar and wished the participants fruitful deliberations.
The Governor released a souvenir and a CD on Kashmir Shaivism brought out on this occasion.
Ms Prabha Devi, an eminent Shaivite scholar, spoke extensively about the valuable contribution of Swami Lakshman Joo Maharaj in the promotion of Kashmir Shaivism.
Dr Navjivan Rastogi, Chairman, Editorial Advisory Board, Ishwar Ashram Trust, dwelt on the various aspects of Kashmir Shaivism.
Dr Mark Dyczkuwski highlighted the contribution of India towards spirituality and ethical and moral values. In his welcome address, Dr Anusheel Munshi, Trustee, Ishwar Ashram Trust, dwelt on the activities of the Trust and aims and objects of organizing the seminar.
He thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the activities of the Trust. Mr Vijay Kumar Kaul, Trustee, Ishwar Ashram Trust, presented a Vote of Thanks.
Eminent scholars from within the country and abroad, intellectuals, functionaries and members of the Ishwar Ashram Trust and a large number of participants of the seminar were present on this occasion.
