After the removal of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir is returning to its old traditions and Ganga-Jamuni culture: Amit Shah

New Delhi, (IANS) | Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday inaugurated Maa Sharda Devi Temple in Kupwara through video conferencing. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was also present on the occasion. Shah said on the occasion that with the establishment of peace after the abrogation of Article 370 with the efforts of PM Modi, the Valley and Jammu are once again returning to their old traditions, civilization and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.

Amit Shah started his address by wishing the countrymen for the new year. He said that today on the occasion of New Year, the newly constructed temple of Maa Sharda has been opened for the devotees and this is an auspicious sign for the devotees from all over India. He said that today the inauguration of Maa Sharda’s temple is the beginning of a new era.

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that the architecture and construction of this temple has been done according to mythological scriptures under the aegis of Sharda Peeth. The idol of Sharda Maa, donated by the Sringeri Math, has been brought here on a journey since January 24 till it was installed here today. He said that the reconstruction of Maa Sharda’s temple in Kupwara is a necessary and important step towards the discovery of Sharda-civilization and promotion of Sharda-script.

Amit Shah said that once upon a time Sharda Peeth was considered the center of knowledge in the Indian subcontinent, scholars from all over the country used to come here in search of scriptures and spiritual knowledge. He said that Sharda script is the original script of our Kashmir, which has also been named on the basis of mother’s name. This is one of the Mahashakti Peethas and according to beliefs, the right hand of Maa Sati fell here.

The Union Home and Cooperation Minister said that Sharda Peeth has been a historical center of India’s cultural, religious and educational heritage, Modi government will move in the direction of opening Sharda Peeth for devotees like Kartarpur Corridor. Shah said that in line with the commitment of social and economic transformation, the Modi government has taken initiatives in all areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including the revival of culture. Under this, systematic restoration and repair work is going on at 123 identified places, which include many temples and Sufi places. He said that in the first phase, 35 places were being renovated at a cost of Rs 65 crore.

Amit Shah said that the zeal with which Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha has worked to implement all the flagship schemes of Prime Minister Modi is praiseworthy. He said that Manoj Sinha has played a huge role in bringing industrial investment in Jammu and Kashmir.

–IANS