SRINAGAR, MAY 17: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today attended the inauguration ceremony of the sacred Adhikmas/Banumas/Purushotam Maas-Kumbh 2026 at the historic Mattan Temple and highlighted the importance of preserving the centuries-old traditions of communal harmony, brotherhood and coexistence in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister inaugurated the religious congregation amid the presence of devotees, religious scholars, community representatives and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma said that Jammu and Kashmir has always been known for its rich spiritual and cultural legacy where people from different faiths have lived together in harmony and mutual respect for generations. He said that such religious and cultural events serve as a strong reminder of the region’s composite culture and play a vital role in strengthening the social unity and fostering mutual understanding among communities.
The Minister emphasized that the government remains committed towards safeguarding and promoting the unique cultural and spiritual heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Extending his greetings to the devotees and participants attending the sacred event, the Minister wished for peaceful and successful celebrations and prayed for lasting peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister was accompanied by Legislators Abdul Majeed Larmi and Riyaz Ahmad Khan, who also interacted with the devotees. They appreciated the role of such gatherings in strengthening the communal harmony and preserving the pluralistic ethos of the region.
Later, Satish Sharma visited Gurudwara Mattan, where he paid obeisance and interacted with members of the Sikh community. He reiterated the government’s resolve towards ensuring equal respect and support for all religious institutions and communities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Subsequently, the Minister paid obeisance at the revered Aishmuqam Shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and communal harmony in the region.
During the visit, he interacted with the devotees and local residents and described the shrine as a symbol of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage and centuries-old traditions of brotherhood and inclusiveness.
On the sidelines of the visit, the Minister also inspected the playground at Mattan and reviewed the available sports infrastructure and ongoing developmental works.
Interacting with the local youth and sports enthusiasts, he assured them that the government is focused on strengthening the sports infrastructure and creating better opportunities for young talent across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure that development works at sports facilities are completed within the stipulated timelines so that adequate infrastructure is made available to aspiring players at the grassroots level.
Later, Satish Sharma visited the playground at Anantnag and took stock of the existing sports infrastructure and maintenance works. He stressed upon the officials to maintain quality standards and ensure proper upkeep of sports facilities for the benefit of local youth and budding athletes.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards youth empowerment, the Minister said that providing modern sports infrastructure and encouraging youth participation in sports remains one of the key priorities of the government. He added that sustained efforts are being made to create a vibrant sporting ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir to nurture talent and positively engage the youth.