Honourable Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha Inaugurates Shinon Meeras, India’s First Museum for Dards in Kashmir

Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated ‘Shinon Meeras’- The Shina Cultural Centre. The centre is India’s first museum for Dardis in Kashmir which shows the rich heritage of Dard- Shina Culture. The Dardi people of Gurez always dreamt of a place to showcase their heritage to the present generation and to the world visiting the pristine valley of Gurez.  It is with this in mind, that the Indian Army took up the initiative of establishing the Shina Cultural Centre at Dawar, thereby supporting the local populace. The Centre has been established by the Indian Army in collaboration with Civil Administration of Bandipore and Tourism Department of Kashmir. The Centre is aptly christened ‘Shinon Meeras’, which in Shina Language means - ‘The heritage of Shina people’. 

Gurez valley falls along the ancient Silk Route, which connected the Kashmir Valley with Gilgit. In this regard a well-equipped and informative Cultural Centre will foster Shina Culture and traditions, thereby enhancing financial well-being and self-reliance of the local populace along with promoting tourism in the valley.

Museum has a mix of digital displays, exhibits, artefacts, textiles & interactive boards. The architecture has a local flavor and also includes one section showcasing the special bond shared by the people of Gurez with Indian Army. An open Air Amphitheatre having a capacity of approximately 150 people has been constructed on the banks of Kishanganga River for weekend performances by the local cultural dance groups. The museum has various sections namely Dardistan, Kishanganga River, Gurezi Way of Life, Shing Language Section, Symbiotic Relationship with Indian Army & Souvenir Section. An AV room plays two short movies, one on Gurez & Shina Culture, and the other a Sand Art display of operation ERAZE - Indian Army operation for liberation of Gurez in 1948. Museum has a website and rich social media presence reaching out website and borders. The inauguration also witnessed the flagging in of Vajr Top Expedition by Indian Army and the flagging off Dawar - Drass - Darchik car rally connecting Dard community of Gurez to Ladakh. Honble LG also unveiled a Shina Language Primer which has been published to preserve and promote use of Shina mother tongue amongst children of Gurez.

This initiative by the Indian Army will go a long way in preserving the Shina language and Dard culture and will improve the overall tourist footfall of Gurez Valley, thus improving the employment opportunities for the youth of Gurez.