NEW DELHI: In a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural and spiritual diversity, inspired by the ideals of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India), the Indian Embassy in Dublin organized a special cultural event dedicated to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — the first of its kind in Ireland.
The event was part of the Embassy’s ongoing “State Cultural Programme Series.”
The multi-dimensional evening featured an engaging multimedia presentation highlighting the rich history, culture, cuisine, crafts, and tourism heritage of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The program also included traditional dance performances, recitations of Kashmiri poetry, and an exhibition of exquisite textiles and handicrafts from the region.
Addressing the gathering, India’s Ambassador to Ireland, Akhilesh Mishra, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dublin’s small but vibrant Kashmiri community — around 200 people — for their enthusiastic support in hosting the Embassy’s first-ever event focused on Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Ambassador Mishra described Kashmir’s cultural tradition as a symbol of India’s civilizational ethos of inclusiveness, pluralism, and harmony.
He noted that for decades, the people of Kashmir have endured immense suffering due to cross-border terrorism and extremist propaganda. However, since the abrogation of Article 370, the region has witnessed renewed energy and optimism, with a surge in tourism and economic activity — largely due to improved security conditions and stronger emotional and infrastructural integration with the rest of India.
Recalling Kashmir’s immense contribution to Indian philosophy and literature since ancient times, Ambassador Mishra appreciated ongoing efforts to revive the Sharada script and translate Kashmiri literature into Hindi.
He also highlighted the growing interest across India in the Hindi translation of the Kashmiri Ramayana, as well as in the works of renowned philosopher Abhinavagupta and mystic poet Lalleshwari (Lal Ded), who embody the spiritual depth of Kashmiri Shaivism.
The Indian Embassy in Dublin launched its State Cultural Programme Series in September 2023, with the aim of showcasing India’s unity in diversity to both the Indian diaspora and the Irish public.
So far, the Embassy has hosted cultural events celebrating 18 Indian states, strengthening people-to-people connections and promoting cultural exchange between India and Ireland.
