Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat applauds Amar Mahal legacy on Golden Jubilee

Dogra Royal Family hosts 50 Year celebrations at Amar Mahal with Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat as Chief Guest

Jammu: The three-day annual Tawi Festival-3, organized by the Hari Tara Charitable Trust (HTCT), concluded successfully today at the historic Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu. The event marked the commencement of the Golden Jubilee Year celebrations, commemorating 50 years of the Amar Mahal Museum and Library.

The occasion was graced by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as the Chief Guest, alongside Maharaja Dr. Karan Singh, former Sadr-e-Riyasat of J&K and Chairman Trustee of HTCT.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities including Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh, M.K. Ajatshatru Singh, R.K. Martand Singh—Trustees of HTCT; Rajkumari Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director of Amar Mahal Museum & Library; Yuvrani Chitrangada Raje Singh; Kunwarani Ritu Singh; R.K. Ranvijay Singh; and several renowned artists and distinguished guests.

In his welcome address, Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh expressed gratitude to the Union Tourism Minister and other dignitaries for their presence. As a gesture of appreciation, he felicitated the Union Tourism Minister by presenting a miniature of the iconic Basohli painting, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Director of the Amar Mahal Museum and Library and Chief Coordinator of the Tawi Festival, highlighted that the festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity, inclusiveness, tradition, and modernity. She emphasized that the Amar Mahal Museum and Library, established in 1975 by Dr. Karan Singh and Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi in a 150-year-old historic building, has become a cultural landmark of Jammu City.

In his address, Dr. Karan Singh underscored the pivotal role of the Amar Mahal Museum in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir. He expressed that such festivals serve as vital platforms for showcasing the region’s diverse traditions, art forms, and communal harmony.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat lauded the efforts of HTCT in organizing the festival and acknowledged the significance of such events in boosting tourism and promoting the cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir. 

The Union Tourism Minister highlighted the remarkable role of Dr. Karan Singh in preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir through the Amar Mahal Museum, which stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and traditions. The Union Minister also announced that the Modi Government is committed to preserving over one crore manuscripts across the country under the National Manuscript Mission, ensuring that invaluable texts and scriptures are safeguarded for future generations. 

Expressing admiration for the Basholi painting tradition, he conveyed his interest in furthering the Guru-Shishya Parampara of this art form, which is currently being preserved by the Royal Family of Jammu and Kashmir.

R.K. Martand Singh presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the sponsors and team members for their dedicated efforts in making the three-day Tawi Festival-3 a grand success. He also lauded Maharaja Dr. Karan Singh for his unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of Amar Mahal Museum and Library. Expressing his personal sentiments, he stated that he feels privileged to continue nurturing this esteemed institution, which stands as a symbol of Jammu’s rich cultural heritage.

Earlier, the main highlight of the third day was the vibrant Mela organized in the lawns of Amar Mahal, featuring folk dances, folk music, and satirical performances showcasing the rich cultural traditions of the region. The event also included captivating acts by young bands presenting contemporary Dogri music. A food court offering a variety of street foods from the region and special sweets from Jammu, added to the festive spirit.