Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized today that the peaceful elections and recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir are a clear indication that the Union Territory is forging a new path, leaving its troubled past behind. Speaking at Raj Bhavan on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Sinha remarked that Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately called Bapu, had always dreamed of peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir, and the region is now making strides toward fulfilling that vision.
At the event, Sinha pointed out the significant change in the youth of the region. “The young generation no longer holds tools of destruction like guns and stones in their hands,” Sinha said. “Instead, they carry dreams of peace and aspirations for a better future.” He highlighted how this shift reflects a broader transformation in J&K.
The Lieutenant Governor also drew attention to the recently concluded Assembly elections, stating that 1.40 crore citizens of J&K had reaffirmed their faith in democracy and constitutional values. The high voter turnout demonstrated the people’s commitment to contributing to the development of the Union Territory and the nation. “The successful and peaceful elections have not only been a topic of discussion across India but also in the entire world,” he added.
Sinha further reflected on the achievements of the past few years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the empowerment of democracy at the grassroots level, peaceful elections, and significant development work as proof of the remarkable transformation in J&K. “In the last four to five years, great success has been achieved in establishing a fear-free J&K. Today, we are creating a new history by forgetting our past,” he said.
He lauded the efforts of the youth, noting that lakhs of young people had started their own businesses in recent years, with a significant portion of startups being led by women. He emphasized that schools across the region are now functional throughout the year, marking a notable improvement in the education sector.
The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged ongoing attempts to mislead some youth, warning that violence only leads to societal disintegration. He urged the younger generation to maintain the current pace of peace and progress, dedicating themselves to selfless service.
The event, organized by the Department of School Education and Department of Higher Education, also marked the closing ceremony of the Swachhata Pakhwada and Swachhata Hi Seva Abhiyan. Sinha took the opportunity to commend students and schools across J&K for their efforts in cleanliness initiatives, such as adopting local water bodies, parks, or heritage sites and conducting regular cleanliness drives in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Lieutenant Governor extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. He urged the people, especially the youth, to follow Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion to address the challenges facing the world today.
Sinha also encouraged citizens to dedicate one day a month to activities such as cleanliness drives and Shramdaan (voluntary labor), drawing inspiration from Bapu’s vision. “Bapu’s dream was that India would become a ray of hope for humanity. The responsibility of fulfilling these dreams rests on 140 crore Indians, and the younger generation will have to play a bigger role in this journey,” he added.
At the event, students who excelled in various competitions held as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations were felicitated. The event featured captivating performances by artists and students depicting the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
The celebration saw the participation of Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Department of School Education and Higher Education, senior officials, heads of educational institutions, and students, as well as prominent citizens from across the Union Territory. The event was attended in person and through virtual platforms by citizens across the region.
