Manoj: The People of Kashmir Have Reclaimed Their Space and Spirit
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) recently hosted a significant book launch and photo exhibition titled “Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir: A Pictorial Journey.” The event, held on June 16, 2025, in New Delhi, featured the work of renowned photojournalist Ashish Sharma and was organized by the Kala Nidhi Division of IGNCA. Esteemed dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and former Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi, attended the event, which celebrated the evolving identity and visual narrative of the region.
Event Highlights and Dignitaries Present
The launch took place at the Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA, and was presided over by Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of the IGNCA Trust. The opening address was delivered by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, while Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Director and Head of the Kala Nidhi Division, welcomed the attendees. The accompanying photo exhibition will be on display from June 16 to June 25, 2025, at the Darshanam–I Exhibition Hall, IGNCA. The event drew attention to the rich cultural heritage and the transformative journey of Jammu & Kashmir, as captured through Sharma’s lens.
Significance of the Book and Its Themes
In his address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted two pivotal dates in the region’s history: August 5, 2019, marking the abrogation of Article 370, and June 6, 2025, when a train service from Kanyakumari to Kashmir was inaugurated. He emphasized that these events signify a shift from stagnation to progress, marking a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu & Kashmir. The 225-page coffee table book, completed in 2024, documents this transformation, showcasing the region’s journey from inertia to momentum across various sectors. Sinha described the book as an act of visual imagination that reflects the profound changes in the region, emphasizing the reclamation of space and spirit by the people of Kashmir.
Reflections from Dignitaries on the Region’s Transformation
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai remarked on the book’s significance, especially in light of recent events, stating that it contains countless untold stories of Kashmir’s transformation. He suggested that the book should also be made available as an e-book to reach a wider audience. Meenakshi Lekhi, the Guest of Honour, expressed that every Indian shares a deep connection with Kashmir, noting the effective portrayal of the region’s changes since the abrogation of Article 370. She highlighted a particular image from the book, illustrating the vibrant life in Lal Chowk, a place that has seen significant transformation over the years.
About the Book and Its Author
“Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir: A Pictorial Journey” aims to depict the changing landscape of the region, showcasing its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the resilience of its people. Ashish Sharma, a native of Kashmir, has captured the essence of his homeland through his photographs, presenting a narrative of hope and development. The book features stunning visuals of the region’s landscapes, smart city initiatives, and the renewed spirit of Kashmiriyat. It serves not only as a collection of photographs but as a celebration of the spirit and future of Jammu & Kashmir, inviting art lovers and the general public to engage with the diverse experiences of the region.
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