Anantnag: A two-day international conference titled “The Sacred Journey to Shri Amarnath Ji: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective” commenced at Government College for Women (GCW), Anantnag, on Wednesday, bringing together academicians, researchers, administrators and scholars to discuss the spiritual, cultural, socioeconomic, historical and ecological dimensions of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Organised by the district administration in collaboration with GCW Anantnag, the conference is being described as the first event of its kind focused exclusively on the pilgrimage from a multidisciplinary academic perspective.
The inaugural session was attended by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Principal GCW Prof Khalida Hassan, Prof Monowar Alam Khalid of Integral University Lucknow, Prof Himanshu Roy of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof Kapil Kumar, former Chair Professor at the Centre for Freedom Struggle and Diaspora Studies, Prof Farooq Ahmad Malik and faculty members, researchers, students and civil society representatives.
Three technical sessions were held on the opening day, during which speakers examined the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage, as well as its administrative, socioeconomic and environmental dimensions.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat highlighted the cultural and spiritual legacy associated with the Amarnath Yatra and emphasised the role of local communities in facilitating the annual pilgrimage. He said the participation of service providers from different faiths reflected the syncretic traditions associated with the Yatra and Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos.
He also highlighted the district administration’s efforts to ensure a safer, more sustainable and environmentally responsible pilgrimage this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Kapil Kumar underscored the historical relationship between the people of Kashmir and the Amarnath Yatra, describing the local population as an integral part of the pilgrimage. He also discussed the economic significance of pilgrimage tourism and its contribution to promoting cultural diversity.
Prof Monowar Alam Khalid, in a special address on ecological challenges associated with the Yatra, called for balancing traditional ecological wisdom with modern technology to ensure sustainable management of the pilgrimage. He stressed the need for scientific assessment of carrying capacity, improved waste management, protection of biodiversity, adoption of green energy and greater involvement of local communities.
In his keynote address on “Multiculturalism in India: A Historical Trajectory”, Prof Himanshu Roy discussed India’s long tradition of cultural diversity and shared historical perspectives on the evolution of the Amarnath pilgrimage.
Organising Secretary Prof Farooq Ahmad Malik outlined the objectives of the conference and emphasised the importance of research and academic dialogue in understanding the pilgrimage through multiple perspectives.
The technical sessions also featured paper presentations and discussions on themes such as pilgrimage philosophy, social and cultural dimensions of the Yatra, ecological concerns, peace-building and cultural resilience.
The conference aims to promote scholarly engagement and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra through interdisciplinary research and discussion.
