Srinagar, Jun 20: Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of intellectual debate, free exchange of ideas and scholarly excellence remains relevant in shaping India’s future as a global knowledge leader, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Suman Billa said on Saturday.
Addressing a gathering here, Billa said Kashmir and Nalanda shared a common heritage as historic centres of learning where diverse streams of thought were encouraged, and intellectual discourse thrived.
Referring to remarks made by Padma Shri Shafi Shauq, Billa said the strength of great civilisations lies in their ability to accommodate differing viewpoints and challenge established ideas.
“Kashmir has historically been a fertile ground for discussion, debate and the free flow of ideas. Like Nalanda, it stood as a confluence of intellectual traditions that advanced human understanding and enriched society,” he said.
The DG Tourism said the dialogue between Kashmir and Nalanda was not merely symbolic but reflected a deeper civilisational connection rooted in scholarship, learning and cultural exchange.
Highlighting Kashmir’s literary heritage, he said the Valley occupies a unique place in India’s intellectual history as the birthplace of ‘Rajatarangini’, one of the earliest and most authoritative historical chronicles in the world.
“Even today, Rajatarangini provides context and perspective for understanding Kashmir. It reflects the depth of intellectual and literary traditions that have evolved in this land over centuries,” he said.
Billa further said that while political systems, economies and technologies continue to change, literature remains timeless because it captures enduring human experiences and emotions. “Literature and travel serve similar purposes by helping people understand places, cultures and societies beyond their immediate surroundings,” he said.
Drawing a link between tourism and cultural understanding, Billa said travel broadens perspectives and fosters peace by enabling meaningful interaction between communities.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that travel is “the language of peace”, he said greater people-to-people engagement helps build mutual respect and strengthens social harmony.
Billa also said the world was entering an era where creativity, culture and knowledge would become more important than industrial advancement alone. “In a rapidly changing world driven by artificial intelligence and the democratisation of knowledge, India can stand tall by drawing strength from its intellectual heritage, including institutions such as Nalanda and the great schools of thought that emerged from Kashmir,” he said.
The DG Tourism said India’s rich civilisational legacy provides a strong foundation for future leadership and stressed the need to connect the country’s diverse intellectual traditions into a coherent knowledge framework.
Expressing confidence in India’s rise on the global stage, Billa said the coming decades would belong to nations capable of harnessing the power of ideas, culture and knowledge, adding that India was uniquely positioned to lead that transformation—(KNO)
