Srinagar, Jan. 29 -- Kashmir's heritage is not confined to monuments or manuscripts; it is the living essence of a civilization that has thrived for centuries at the crossroads of cultures. From the wooden shrines of downtown Srinagar to the Mughal gardens that still echo with poetry, the Valley's cultural wealth is a reminder that identity is built not only on landscapes but on memory, artistry, and continuity. Yet this heritage is fragile, threatened by neglect, urban sprawl, and the indifference of modern life. Preserving it is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Heritage is the anchor of identity as it tells us who we are, where we come from, and what values we carry forward. When a society loses its heritage, it risks losing its soul. ...