Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam’ on Mar 13, 14

Jammu, Mar 11: The University of Jammu on Wednesday announced the organisation of “Jammu Vishwavidyalaya: Sahitya–Sanskriti Samagam,” a two-day literary and cultural festival to be held on March 13 and 14, 2026, at the University campus.

The announcement was made during a curtain raiser press conference addressed by Vice Chancellor, Prof Umesh Rai, in the presence of Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Prof Sadaf Shah, coordinator, Jammu Vishwavidyalaya: Sahitya Sanskriti Samagam; Prof Seema Rohmetra and Dr Ginny Dogra, Director DIQA, along with other senior officials of the University.

Addressing the media, Prof Umesh Rai said that the programme was conceived to celebrate the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Jammu region and to present it on a wider stage.

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“Jammu region possesses immense cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity. Through this initiative, the University seeks to bring together writers, artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners so that the many voices and traditions of the region can be presented collectively,” he observed.

He added that in many ways the Jammu region represented a living example of unity within diversity, and the festival would celebrate and present that spirit.

Prof Rai further said that such initiatives resonated with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, placing strong emphasis on promoting regional studies, local languages, and cultural traditions while empowering youth through meaningful engagement with their heritage.

“This vision seeks to transform Jammu region into a vibrant knowledge hub, where education connects with local strengths such as handicrafts, tourism, literature, and cultural creativity. Such initiatives also reflect the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” which celebrates India’s cultural diversity while strengthening the bonds of unity among different regions of the country,” he said.

JU Vice Chancellor pointed out that the cultural ethos, traditions of the region were always guided by the values of humanity, compassion and mutual respect, deeply reflected in its languages, literature, and traditions. “By bringing literature, art, and community knowledge onto a shared platform, the University is contributing to an approach that blends traditional Indian values with contemporary learning while encouraging youth participation in the journey towards “Viksit Bharat @2047”,” he added.

Prof Rai also emphasised the importance of cultural roots in shaping society. Drawing a simple analogy, he said that just as a tree could not withstand storms if its roots were not deep, societies too must remain connected with their cultural foundations.

Universities, he said, must create opportunities where young minds can engage with their heritage and learn from individuals who have devoted their lives to literature, art, and culture.

He further informed that the Samagam would bring together writers, artists, and scholars representing several languages spoken across the Jammu region, including Dogri, Punjabi, Gojri, Pahari, Siraji, Bhaderwahi, Pogli, Padri, Hindi, and Urdu. Alongside literary interactions and discussions, the event would also present traditional music, dance, local cuisine, and cultural expressions that reflected the everyday life and traditions of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, said that the programme was thoughtfully designed to bring together prominent cultural personalities, writers, and artists from the region on one platform. She noted that several distinguished personalities, including Padma Shri awardees, were invited to participate and interact with the audience through discussions, performances, and literary engagements.

She added that such initiatives would create valuable opportunities for students, scholars, and young participants to listen to and learn from individuals who achieved national recognition through years of dedication in their respective fields.

Prof Sadaf Shah, coordinator of the event said that the festival aimed to reconnect young people with their cultural roots while showcasing the artistic richness of the Jammu region. She informed that 23 cultural troupes comprising nearly 250 artists would participate in the event and present traditional performances such as Punjabi Gatka, Bhangra, Kud Dance, Kumnia, and other folk forms from across the region.

She further shared that the programme would include around 54 exhibition stalls displaying traditional crafts such as pottery, handloom, calico printing, artifacts, and Basohli painting, along with 20 book stalls showcasing the literary heritage of the region.

A food court with nearly 30 stalls would present traditional cuisines from different parts of Jammu, providing visitors a glimpse into the region’s culinary traditions. Prof Shah also acknowledged the support extended by the J&K Tourism Department, J&K Bank, the Cultural Academy of Jammu, the Department of Industries and Commerce, affiliated colleges of the University of Jammu, and the civil administration in organising the festival.

Elaborating on the programme schedule, Dr Ginny Dogra, Director DIQA, while speaking on the occasion, briefly shared the highlights of the programmes planned during the two-day event. She informed that the event would include a series of panel discussions, literary interactions, cultural performances, a multilingual Mushaira, and various student competitions involving schools, colleges, and university students.

She added that eminent scholars, writers, artists, and Padma Shri awardees from the region would participate in the discussions and cultural presentations, making the festival a vibrant platform for dialogue and cultural exchange.