Says Bapu had seen ray of hope in Kashmir; ‘we are determined to build the J&K of his dreams empowering all’
Srinagar: Asserting that there is no room for violence in any civilized society, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday urged the misguided youth to shun the path of violence and join mainstream.
Sinha made these assertions while attending the finale of month-long celebrations held in schools across the UT to mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Shanti Yatra which was started from Anantnag and Jammu on 7th September as part of the celebrations also culminated at the SKICC today, an official press release informed.
It said on the occasion, the LG paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, and also remembered former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.
“When the country was in a state of gloom in 1947, PujyaBapu-ji (Gandhi) saw a ray of hope in Kashmir. We are determined to build the J&K of Bapu’s dreams empowering every section of the society without discrimination,” said the LG.
“Violence has no place in a civilized society. Truth and non-violence were the true powerful instruments of Bapu. I urge people to imbibe the timeless teachings of Bapu and contribute to nation building. Misguided youth must shun the path of violence and join the mainstream,” the LG said.
Mahatma Gandhi has shown the way to change the world, and, this change has to start from every individual, the LG observed.
“Let us ensure that Gandhiji’s thoughts and wisdom of one nation, one people enriches our diversity and strengthens our plural culture. We must follow his ideals to achieve the dream of Gram Swaraj and modern education rooted in our ancient values,” said the LG.
“It should be the responsibility of the citizens to strive to translate Bapu’s ideals into action to create a society which is progressive, prosperous and contributes in building a strong and Aatm-Nirbhar Bharat,’ the LG added.
Noting that Mahatma Gandhi does not belong to any religion, the LG said that all those who are politicizing Gandhiji’s favourite prayers need to understand that his ideals belong to the entire humanity.
“The country under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is working on the mantra on ‘SabkaSaath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and SabkaPrayas’ and spreading the message of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’ & ‘Ekam Sat VipraBahudhaVadanti’ to the world,” said the LG.
“Following the ideals of Bapu, we are strengthening three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions to make the villages Aatm-Nirbhar. Far-flung areas are witnessing unprecedented development,” he added.
“Education is another important aspect on which we are working with dedication and commitment. We are encouraging vocational training and developing schools as model education centers. Our focus is on nurturing scientific temper and curiosity in the children,” the LG observed.
“Jammu and Kashmir is making unparalleled progress in all sectors. The rights bestowed by the constitution have been extended to the deprived class and tribal community. We have made progress in the direction of empowering farmers, youth and women,” he observed.
Later, the LG felicitated the students, and educational institutions that excelled in different activities and competitions including essay writing, speech competition, and quiz competitions during month-long Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.
The LG also released eminent scientist Prof Gautam Desiraju’s book titled “Bharat: India 2.0” and appreciated the author for throwing light on the Constitution and the civilizational vision of India.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the LG lauded the efforts of students and teachers of School Education and Higher Education departments for the successful conduct of month-long celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary said Mahatma Gandhi is a living ideology of truth and non-violence and inspired the goal of making J&K: 2.0 which will have no place for fear, corruption, drug abuse and violence of any kind.
Rajiv Vora, noted Gandhian and chairperson Swaraj Peeth Trust, spoke on the movements led by Mahatma Gandhi against the evils of the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Gautam R Desiraju, gave an overview of the theme and contents of his book. He also enlisted the steps for making India a more prosperous and global power.
NAAC grading awards were presented to the colleges from across the UT, besides Swachh Vidyalaya Awards were conferred to the best performing schools.
Documentary on month-long celebrations of 153rd Gandhi Jayanti in educational institutions of the UT was also showcased.
