‘Sanskriti Jammu & Kashmir’ is like a lighthouse for J&K

Team L&M

Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a region endowed with natural beauty. It has also been a center of India’s cultural, spiritual, and philosophical consciousness. This core idea was highlighted through the launch of an important film and coffee table book titled Sanskriti Jammu & Kashmir, held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The film has been produced by IGNCA. The writer and co-producer of the film is Rajan Khanna, while the director and editor is Shivansh Khanna.

The program was presided over by Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA. On this occasion, senior writer and broadcaster Gaurishankar Raina, the film’s writer Rajan Khanna, and Controller of the Media Centre Anurag Punetha were present. A panel discussion was also held on the occasion.

All about the film

The film Sanskriti: Jammu & Kashmir is set against the breath-taking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. It begins with a calm and profound remembrance of the region’s ancient spiritual consciousness—of a land that historian Kalhana once described in his ‘Rajatarangini’ as being adorned with countless temples. Even today, some of these temples stand in their dignified presence, while many others remain as ruins—silent witnesses to the passage of time and historical upheavals.

Through vivid and impactful visuals, the film brings forth the efforts made by Sikh and Dogra rulers to revive temples and religious sites. It also highlights the philosophical and intellectual legacy of the Fourth Buddhist Council held at Harwan Monastery in Srinagar, as well as the Sikh tradition associated with the visit of Guru Hargobind Ji.

The film sheds light on lesser-known spiritual traditions of the Jammu and Kashmir region that have largely remained neglected—from the ancient Mamleshwar Temple in Pahalgam to the forgotten shrines around Gulmarg and the historic temples of Jammu. Sanskriti: Jammu & Kashmir emerges as a cinematic rediscovery, inviting viewers to reconnect with a long-suppressed cultural and spiritual narrative. It introduces audiences to a land where every stone carries within it the weight of memory, devotion, and cultural continuity.

Film, a lighthouse

Dr Sachchidanand Joshi said that shooting at the locations featured in Sanskriti Jammu & Kashmir was not easy, as these areas are not only geographically difficult but have also become very hard to access in recent times. Photographs of some of these places are rarely seen.

Speaking about the significance of the film, he said that amid continuous attempts to distort and destroy history and to erase our traditional beliefs, this film will stand like a lighthouse. It will illuminate what our traditions are and what our history is. Through this film, many young people—who may not know the real history of Jammu and Kashmir but wish to understand it—can certainly be connected.

Towards the end, he also requested the film’s director Shivansh Khanna to disseminate some powerful shots and visuals of important temples through short reels. This would attract people to watch the full film and also help in its wider promotion.

Nation, culture, geography inseparable

The film’s writer Rajan Khanna said that just as there is a relationship between body and soul, there is also a relationship between nation, culture, and geography. The body is perishable, but the nation and culture are eternal. India is like a bouquet of flowers, and among them, the culture of Jammu and Kashmir is a distinct flower. It is a flower that embodies spirituality, history, and thought. When one visits the region, it is not just about visiting temples; the hymns of the Vedas, which form the foundation of Indian culture, are inscribed there, and their complete philosophy can be experienced. The vision of the great culture created by our ancestors is clearly visible in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Why do we discuss only terrorism when it comes to Kashmir, why not its 10,000-year-old history? Why is there no discussion about Anantnag, considered one of the world’s most ancient cities? Why is Kashmir’s history limited only to the period from 1339 to 1819? Kashmir’s history is also connected to the Rigveda. If we do not re-establish our civilisational foundation ourselves, whom will we blame? Even the future will not forgive us,” he said.