Srinagar, Oct 6 (JKNS): Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, was honoured with the prestigious Hazrat Sheikh-ul-Aalam Award 2026 by Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-wa-Saqafat (KMAS), Charar-e-Sharief, in recognition of her significant contribution to the propagation of the Rishi-Sufi ideology and her contribution, as Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, towards the development, restoration and upgradation of spiritual shrines across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
The award was presented in the presence of eminent scholars, members of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board and representatives of Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-wa-Saqafat.
The honour recognised Dr Andrabi’s efforts towards preserving and strengthening the spiritual and cultural heritage associated with the Rishi-Sufi tradition of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Andrabi expressed her gratitude to the management and members of Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-wa-Saqafat for conferring the honour upon her.
She said that the Rishi-Sufi tradition represents one of the most profound expressions of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage and carries an enduring message of peace, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and harmony.
Dr Andrabi said that serving the Sufi shrines of Jammu & Kashmir is not merely an administrative responsibility but a sacred commitment to preserving the spiritual legacy of the land.
She emphasised that the shrines associated with the Awliya, Rishis and Sufi saints are living centres of faith and spiritual guidance and deserve to be maintained with dignity while preserving their historical and architectural character.
She said her vision is to transform the management and development of these sacred spaces in a manner that combines heritage conservation, modern amenities, cleanliness, pilgrim facilities and spiritual ambience, while ensuring that the profound message of the saints remains accessible to future generations.
Dr Andrabi further observed that the teachings of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA) and other spiritual luminaries of Kashmir transcend religious and social boundaries and continue to offer a powerful message of peaceful coexistence in the contemporary world.
She dedicated the honour to all those associated with the preservation and service of Kashmir’s spiritual heritage and reiterated her commitment to continuing efforts for the development, beautification, conservation and dignified upkeep of Sufi and spiritual shrines throughout Jammu & Kashmir.
Representatives of Kashmir Markaz-e-Adab-wa-Saqafat appreciated Dr Andrabi’s contribution to the promotion of the Rishi-Sufi ethos and to the preservation of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir. (JKNS)