Rural Heritage for Sustainable Development: A Gandhian Perspective in Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir

Chingus, an almost mountainous village of district Rajouri, falls under Jammu province of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The village is replete with local heritage which includes culinary heritage and handicrafts. Though rich in heritage, it cannot be considered as a sustainably developed area. Identification and utilisation of its available heritage can be helpful in its sustainable development. Years ago, Mahatma Gandhi also laid stress on the utilisation of local heritage for sustainable development. When it comes to the identification and utilisation of local heritage of Chingus, the local communities (Gujjars/ Bakarwals/ Paharies) of the area can do a lot. But, the locals would not come forward on their own. They must be channelised by local government and other government/private or non-profit agencies. Such channelisation would help in making Chingus, a self-reliant village, thus, giving practical shape to the Gandhian dream of self reliant villages. Moreover, establishment of ‘Mahatma Gandhi Museum of Heritage’ would make the process of sustainable development of Chingus more speedy.