Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday that dialogue is not merely an exchange of words but a bridge between hearts, a means of nurturing trust, and a path to peace and prosperity.
Attending the ‘Mulaqat’ programme in Pulwama, an initiative of Save Youth, Save Future Foundation, dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of India’s shared heritage, the LG emphasized that dialogue is not merely an exchange of words but a bridge between hearts, a means of nurturing trust and a path to peace and prosperity.
As per an official press release, quoting ancient wisdom from the Rig Veda- “Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam”, the LG reminded the gathering that walking together, conversing together and making space for one another in our hearts is the essence of India’s civilizational ethos. He noted that diversity is not a weakness but the nation’s greatest strength, a heritage safeguarded through mutual trust and respect.
“Mutual trust and respect to all faiths and beliefs was an integral part of our way of life. The civilisation of our beloved Bharat gave us a profoundly beautiful message 6,000 years ago to walk together, converse together and make space for one another in our hearts,” he said.
The LG said that India’s soil has, for centuries, welcomed faiths, cultures, and traditions from across the world, weaving them into the fabric of the country. He highlighted that this confluence of traditions is visible today in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-the world is one family-and in the ethos of Kashmiriyat, which teaches that true identity lies in conduct and humanity, not in labels of faith or community.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation, the LG commended the young volunteers working against drug abuse and promoting brotherhood. He urged that such initiatives be expanded on a broader scale.
“Such initiatives need to be expanded on a much broader scale. I believe that another meaning of true peace is that it begins when we start understanding one another. From that perspective, our gathering here is not merely a social meeting. The true meaning of Mulaqat is to listen to one another, understand one another, respect one another and, wherever there is distance between hearts, take the first step towards dialogue.
“Through programmes such as Mulaqat, we must create a culture in which people belonging to all faiths, all systems of worship and all sections of society sit together, discuss issues, examine the truth and assess reality. Wherever a wall has been erected between people, everyone must work together to bring it down,” the LG said.
He also outlined a six-point roadmap for the future and called upon administration and all sections of society to institutionalise regular interfaith dialogues in schools, colleges, and community centres to foster understanding among youth. He stressed on youth to lead initiatives in cultural exchange, community service, and environmental protection.
He noted that preserving historical and cultural sites as common heritage through joint participation of citizens and administration is significant. The LG urged youth to promote digital literacy and counter misinformation to safeguard public trust.
“It is the collective responsibility of the public and the administration to ensure that youth receive an education that teaches them to ask questions, access to technology that guides them towards progress, and the character that inspires patriotism and nation-building,” the LG said.
He also highlighted the role of social justice and equal opportunities for progressive society and asked all the stakeholders to ensure impartial systems that deliver education, employment, healthcare, and justice to all citizens. In his sixth and last recommendation, the LG asked for constituting Village Peace Committees, representing all sections of society to strengthen compassion, humanity and development.
The LG also stressed that while governments can make laws and administrations can provide systems, true harmony is built by the people themselves. He called upon administrative officers to ensure the safety of citizens, equal opportunities in development and proper implementation of welfare schemes.
On the occasion, LG flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Sports Stadium, Pulwama. He also commended the people of Pulwama for their enthusiastic participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and other national integration programmes.
LG visits Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram in Anantnag
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram in Anantnag on the auspicious occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav, and the Purnahuti of the Yajna. He also laid the foundation stone for initiatives dedicated to heritage and cultural preservation.
In his address, the LG expressed deep reverence for the Ashram, which has preserved the wisdom of sages. Paying homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, the LG recalled his visionary resolve in 1937, which transformed the Ashram into a vibrant spiritual centre. He noted that Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj envisioned not merely a place of worship but a living institution that carried forward the eternal message of Sanatana Dharma while serving the real needs of society.
“His legacy of service, discipline, and dedication continues to inspire generations. When Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj left his mortal body in 1971, he left behind a living tradition of service, discipline, sadhana, and dedication that can still be felt in every activity of this ashram,” the LG said.
The LG emphasised that Indian civilisation has always seen spirituality and nature as inseparable. Quoting the Isha Upanishad, he reminded the gathering that the Divine pervades all creation. In the context of global climate challenges, the LG urged the youth to embrace their responsibility towards rivers, forests, animals, and all living beings, ensuring that development remains sustainable and in harmony with nature.
Highlighting new initiatives at the Ashram, including the construction of a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex, and the expansion of the Yajnashala, the Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that these projects would embody faith transformed into action. He stressed that spirituality in Indian culture means responsibility towards the world, performed with selfless service.
Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated Lord Krishna’s teaching and underlined that when action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work becomes sadhana.
The LG praised the Ashram’s affiliation with the Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, which serves on the principle of “Atmano Mokshartham Jagad Hitaya Cha” – for one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world. The Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-confidence, fearlessness, and selfless service, reminding them that true strength lies within and that every individual is the maker of their own destiny.
Reaffirming India’s timeless philosophy of unity in diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said that India’s strength lies in respecting diversity while moving forward together. The message of Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions), he said, has been India’s gift to the world.
“Swami Vivekananda said that a human being’s real strength lies within, and no one needs to consider themselves weak. No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, within you lies the capacity for growth, change, and great work. Swami Vivekananda also revealed the secret of true success and true happiness, saying that the person who is truly rich is one who serves without expecting any reward and acts with a selfless spirit. Therefore, through the Satsang of the ashram’s volunteers, devotees, and office-bearers, there is a need to inspire society towards selfless action,” the LG said.
