Shadow Correspndent
Srinagar, Mar, 26:
Former MLC and Trustee of the J&K Dharmarth Trust, Vikramaditya Singh undertook a visit to the picturesque Karnah Valley. Upon reaching Tangdhar, he visited Radio Karnah, where he was briefed on their diverse and multicultural programming. He interacted with the team and appreciated their efforts in promoting the rich Pahari culture and language, which form a unique identity of the region. He commended the initiative for its positive outreach, especially in engaging and inspiring the youth.
During his visit, he also interacted with officers of the Indian Army and a local community leader, Qazi Abdul Hamid , who shared insights into the cultural heritage of the Pahari people and highlighted the constructive role played by the Indian Army in fostering harmony, bridging gaps, and supporting inclusive development in the region. It was recalled during the interaction that his father, Karan Singh, had visited Tangdhar in 1956 as Sadr-e-Riyasat and had announced developmental grants for the area.
At the Army Goodwill School in Hajinar, Vikramaditya Singh engaged warmly with students and staff, and distributed awards to meritorious students. He expressed encouragement at their enthusiasm and urged them to pursue excellence, becoming ambassadors of pride for their community and the Karnah region.
He also acknowledged the Indian Army’s extensive outreach through programs Operation Sadbhavna & Operation Buniyaad in remote border areas, noting their tangible impact on local communities. These initiatives include infrastructure development, education, youth and women empowerment, vocational training, and healthcare services.
A significant highlight of the visit was his participation in a traditional puja at the Mata Sharda Mandir in the border village of Teetwal along the Line of Control. He was accompanied by his wife, Chitrangada Raje Singh, along with officials from the J&K Dharmarth Trust. The rituals, performed on the banks of the Kishanganga River, were conducted in accordance with traditional Hindu practices by priests from Bangalore.
He expressed his gratitude to Ravinder Pandita, founder of the Save Sharda Committee, for his efforts in reviving the ancient traditions associated with the revered Sharda Peeth. He was also briefed on the historical and spiritual significance of the original Sharda Peeth, once a prominent center of Vedic learning, now located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and presently inaccessible to Indian devotees.
During his visit to Teetwal, Vikramaditya Singh paid his respects at Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. He offered prayers and interacted with Sikh families residing along the border areas, appreciating their resilience and the spirit of communal harmony that continues to thrive in the region.
Vikramaditya Singh also visited the historic bridge over the Kishanganga River, which lies partly in Indian territory and partly across the LoC. Constructed in 1931 during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh, the bridge historically facilitated movement and interaction between communities on both sides.
He concluded his visit by expressing sincere appreciation to the State Administration and the Indian Army for their support and facilitation in enabling his visit to this remote and strategically significant border region.
