 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 20: The Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K, under the leadership of Director K.K. Sidha, continued its celebrations of World Heritage Week 2025 by organising an empowering All-Women's Bike Rally in Jammu on Day 2.
The event aimed at spreading awareness on heritage preservation while engaging young men and women as ambassadors of cultural conservation. Themed "Women Riding to Preserve Heritage," the rally began from Kala Kendra, where participants were served tea before the ceremony. The event was flagged off at 10:00 AM by Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma in the presence of officials, heritage enthusiasts and media representatives.
Director K.K. Sidha, in his address, called it "an empowering experience to witness women bikers leading the movement for heritage awareness." He briefed participants about the department's ongoing work in conservation, preservation, and restoration of around 281 heritage sites and monuments across J&K-including Bhimgarh Fort, Reasi and the Bamuchak Temple, Samba. He emphasized the importance of "going back to our roots" and expressed his willingness to collaborate further with individuals and organisations passionate about heritage.
Around 20 women bikers from Shakti Udghosh accompanied by a few male riders from Bikers Brotherhood rode from Kala Kendra to Bamuchak Temple, Samba. Midway, the riders were greeted and joined by ADDC, Samba Champa Devi, who extended her support to the cause.
The rally reached Bamuchak at around 11:30 AM, where restoration work is currently underway. At the site, participants were addressed by Jyotika Rasial (XEN), followed by Senior Journalist and heritage enthusiast Sunny Dua, ADDC, Samba Champa Devi and Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Assistant Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums. Dr. Sharma also shared historical insights about the temple, tracing its roots back to the era of Maharaja Gulab Singh.
Participants were later served an authentic Dogri lunch featuring Dal, Ambal, Rajmah and Meethe Chawal.
The event concluded with a visit to the iconic Baba Chamliyal Shrine, located on the India-Pakistan border, commonly known as the Zero Line. |
