Jammu, March 19 : Asserting that the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region is the bedrock of its future prosperity, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today called upon the youth to take a solemn pledge to not only inherit this timeless legacy but to actively reshape it, steering the Union Territory towards a developed and sustainable tomorrow.
Addressing a massive gathering at the Navreh (Kashmiri New Year) celebrations organized by the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha in Amphalla, the Lt Governor declared that Jammu Kashmir stands at the cusp of a dynamic transformation, poised to emerge as a vibrant hub of culture and a prosperous UT.
“Achieving this vision of a ‘Naya Jammu Kashmir’ is fundamentally in the hands of our younger generation,” the Lt Governor asserted. “I sincerely hope that our Yuva Shakti will draw boundless strength from the profound wisdom passed down by our ancestors. They must work with unwavering determination to elevate Jammu Kashmir to a place among the country’s most developed regions.”
In his address, steeped in spiritual philosophy, the Lt Governor underscored the inseparable link between devotion and national resurgence. He described the worship of Maa Durga and Maa Sharika as a “profound bow to the primal source of power from which the universe springs,” citing the Rigveda to remind that the Mother’s strength is infinite.
Drawing a parallel between the festival and the journey of life, the Lt Governor shared his personal conviction that Navreh and Navratri mark a profound inner journey. “Over nine days of fasting, prayer, and discipline, Navratri transforms the devotee from within,” he said, explaining that this internal metamorphosis is essential for external nation-building.
He urged the gathering to delve deeper into the spiritual fabric of Sanatan Dharma, outlining the four stages of devotion: attentively hearing the prayer, deeply contemplating it, internalizing it fully, and finally reaching samadhi—a state where the knower and the known merge as one.
Honoring Cultural Icons and Reaffirming Bonds
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also felicitated Padma Shri awardee Brij Lal Bhat, honoring his contributions to preserving and promoting the region’s art and culture. The felicitation served as a powerful symbol of the administration’s commitment to recognizing the torchbearers of the composite heritage of Jammu Kashmir.
The event, which witnessed the enthusiastic participation of the Kashmiri Pandit community and people from all walks of life, resonated with a message of unity, resilience, and hope.
Prominent among those present were Shri K.K. Khosa (President, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha), Padma Shri Dr. S.P. Varma, Dr. Ashok Bhan (Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board), Principal Secretary Culture Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) J&K and Ladakh, Shri Ashok Koul.
The massive turnout and the Lt Governor’s clarion call signaled a renewed energy and a collective resolve to script a glorious new chapter for Jammu Kashmir, deeply rooted in its spiritual ethos while racing towards a developed future. (KNS)
