Jammu: “Vande Mataram is our identity, strength, and vow. It is not just verses but a profound experience woven into our civilisation’s fabric. Vande Mataram singing and related events revives memories of immortal martyrs, honours their sacrifices, and renews our commitment to India’s glory,” the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday.
He called upon every section of society to share the dream of making India the world’s greatest nation.
“We must unite to realise it. When every citizen of J&K UT dedicates themselves to building a developed India, I believe that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” the LG said.
As per an official press release, the LG was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Special Phase marking the 150 years of Vande Mataram, at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The Special Phase, organised from 23rd March to 30th March 2026, to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honour the great martyrs of the freedom struggle, whose immense sacrifices paved the way for India’s independence, it said.
The LG emphasised that the devotion and fervour in Jammu & Kashmir towards Vande Matram reflect how this Union Territory has shed painful chapters, embracing the ideals we have toiled for over the last five-six years.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu & Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream, setting new benchmarks in development and showcasing profound patriotism through pivotal events like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga,” the LG said.
The nation witnessed Jammu & Kashmir’s stellar contribution during the previous phases of Vande Mataram @150 years commemorative event. In the first phase (November 7-14, 2025), 9 of India’s top 10 performing districts were from UT, with Kishtwar at Number 1. In the second (January 19-26, 2026), 6 were from Jammu Kashmir, led by Poonch.
The LG said the overwhelming participation of people of Jammu Kashmir in the previous two phases of Vande Mataram event and embrace of its values signal a transformative power for the future.
“I firmly believe a region’s greatest strength lies in its ability to envision its future. In Jammu & Kashmir, I’m witnessing that potential flourish. It’s vital to spread the message that true patriotism is the bedrock of peace and progress. It’s a sense of responsibility, a spirit of contribution, assuring us that we can better the world together,” the LG said.
The LG said that Vande Mataram symbolized the dream, goal, and resolve generations fought for and the special week-long phase offered moments to reflect at the confluence of history and aspiration, paying tribute to countless sacrifices that grant us today’s freedom, unity, and pride.
“Vande Mataram inspires us to honor our past, empower our present, and pledge a bright future. This was a UT-level introspection, reviving cultural roots through public participation and enlisting every citizen in nation-building,” the LG said.
The LG observed that the past decade brought global turmoil and crises from Ukraine to West Asia plagued most nations, “yet, under the able leadership and guidance of Prime Minister, India has emerged resilient, sustaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.”
“Prime Minister works tirelessly, round-the-clock, for the nation’s welfare. Let us draw strength from his resolve and stride shoulder-to-shoulder toward a strong, prosperous India,” Sinha said.
The LG also called upon the political parties, civil society members and all sections of society to join the fight against drug menace and transform the ‘Nasha Mukt’ campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu & Kashmir.
Earlier, the LG paid tribute to the great freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their historic contributions.
The atmosphere was further enriched by the enthralling patriotic performances by the artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu.
