Jammu, Sep 19 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Mata Lalleshwari Cultural Cum Heritage Centre at Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan in Thalwal here, describing the project as an initiative to preserve the spiritual and cultural legacy of Yogini Lalleshwari.
The centre, sanctioned under the Capex budget at an estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore, is envisioned as a platform for cultural preservation, academic research, spiritual engagement and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the project would serve as a living repository of Lalleshwari’s philosophy and help disseminate her teachings through modern platforms.
“This project reminds us of our timeless civilisational consciousness. Today, we stand at a significant juncture in our history, where the blessings of our ancestors and their timeless wisdom are converging with the aspirations for a confident, developed and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Lalleshwari’s teachings transcended social divisions and reflected the values of tolerance, equality and inner transformation.
He said the centre would host exhibitions, translation initiatives and archival facilities besides fostering fellowships in Kashmir Shaivism, providing opportunities for scholars, artists and researchers to engage with her works.
“The Centre will empower youth through art and creative expression, promote social harmony, and strengthen national integration. It will stand as a monument to India’s cultural soul and a source of national strength,” Sinha said.
He said cultural and heritage institutions were important for preserving civilisational memory alongside economic development.
Sinha said the centre would also contribute to spiritual tourism and economic activity by attracting seekers, historians and travellers from different parts of the world.
“The Mata Lalleshwari Centre will reconnect society with its roots, provide spiritual resources for mental peace, and contribute to grassroots economic vitality by attracting seekers, historians and tourists,” he said.
Referring to contemporary challenges, the Lieutenant Governor said people were facing mental stress, identity-related challenges and loneliness, and argued that material success alone could not address the resulting sense of emptiness.
He said the teachings of saints such as Mata Lalleshwari could provide resources for self-discipline, mental peace and emotional resilience.
Sinha also said Jammu and Kashmir’s ancient temples, pilgrimage sites and centres of spiritual practice provided a foundation for promoting spiritual tourism.
“The Mata Lalleshwari Cultural and Heritage Centre will contribute to spiritual tourism and economic revitalisation. This centre will attract seekers, historians and travellers from all over the world,” he said.
Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Tejinder Singh, DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums K K Sidha, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner Arvind Karwani and members of the Mata Bhaderkali Asthapan Trust attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.
President of the Trust Dileep Pandita, General Secretary Ashok Kaw, Organising Secretary Chand Ji Pandita, senior officials, prominent citizens and devotees were also present.(KNS)
