JAMMU, Nov 7: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv Devraj Sharma today hailed the inclusion of Kalhana’s historic work Rajatarangini in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, describing it as a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation.
Sharma said the international recognition has brought global attention to Kashmir’s centuries-old contribution to history, literature, knowledge and intellectual traditions. He observed that the achievement reinforces the historical significance of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been an important centre of learning, scholarship and cultural heritage for centuries.
He said Rajatarangini, authored by the celebrated Kashmiri historian Kalhana in the 12th century, occupies a unique place in India’s literary and historical traditions. Its detailed account of Kashmir’s rulers, political developments, society and cultural evolution makes it an invaluable historical document.
Sharma added that the UNESCO recognition establishes Jammu and Kashmir not merely as a region renowned for its natural beauty, picturesque landscapes and tourism potential but also as a significant centre of India’s ancient civilisation, intellectual achievements and scholarly traditions.
He said such international recognition provides an opportunity to introduce Kashmir’s rich historical legacy to younger generations and the global community. It should also encourage greater efforts towards preserving ancient manuscripts, historical records, archaeological sites and traditional knowledge systems.
Emphasising the importance of cultural preservation, Sharma said the younger generation must be made aware of the intellectual contributions of scholars like Kalhana, whose work continues to hold relevance centuries after its creation.He further observed that Jammu and Kashmir’s historical and cultural identity is an integral part of India’s civilisational heritage and deserves wider recognition at national and international platforms.
Sharma congratulated all those associated with preserving and promoting India’s documentary heritage and said the UNESCO recognition would inspire renewed efforts to protect the region’s invaluable literary and historical treasures.He expressed hope that the achievement would strengthen cultural awareness, promote heritage-based tourism and encourage academic research on Kashmir’s glorious intellectual past.