Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserted that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a public gathering during his visit to Vibrant Village Sariah in Rajouri on Friday, where he inaugurated the Common Service Centre and initiated several development projects.
These projects include water conservation works and development of playgrounds in Vibrant Villages Sariah, Pukharni, Bhawani, Chapardhara and Namban. He also paid tributes to Brig. Mohammad Usman.
He said that the vision is clear that border village development is integral to national security, and every border village must rank among the nation’s most prosperous.
Sinha emphasised that a nation is defined by its remotest village, where our borders begin, and our identity shines before the world.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is advancing with renewed resolve. Border areas are no longer the nation’s edge but its first village and foremost opportunity. A new commitment thrives and connection with the mainstream has taken root,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha said that through the Border Area Development Programme under the Vibrant Villages Programme, infrastructure and welfare schemes are being ensured in every border village.
“No map fully captures the true essence of our border villages, which reveal only lines. Within those lines, I see a vibrant society and steadfast families advancing the nation’s progress,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that national security flows from soldiers at the borders and border village residents who dwell there.
“A road reaching a border village builds not just passage but unshakeable confidence in our defence. Electricity lighting a border village home offers not mere illumination but fresh hope. Employment for a border village youth transforms not only one life but the trajectory of an entire community,” he said.
“My vision is clear that border village development is integral to national security, and every border village must rank among the nation’s most prosperous,” he added.
Sinha said that since assuming responsibility for Jammu and Kashmir in August 2020, he has prioritised border villages’ aspirations.
“In border villages where women rise each dawn dreaming of brighter futures for their children amid challenges, where farmers toil in their soil through hardships, and where communities stand as sentinels without uniforms, we have ignited a new dawn of progress,” Sinha added.
He also called upon officers to achieve 100 per cent saturation of HADP, Mission Youth, Mudra Yojana, and all welfare schemes, leaving no eligible citizen behind.
“Our commitment has transformed lives, and I affirm with confidence that change is tangible in Jammu and Kashmir’s border villages, where roads now weave networks, healthcare is thriving, digital connectivity is transforming the education sector, and residents now feel integrated with India’s rapid growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“I call upon Sariah’s residents to unite in realising the Vibrant Village resolve. All officials will ensure 100 per cent saturation of every central scheme and welfare programme,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor visited the exhibition on Gyan Bharatam and inspected the stalls installed by various departments and stakeholders. He launched the Vibrant Village Anthem and handed over sanction and appointment letters to beneficiaries under various schemes.
Earlier, LG flagged off a grand Shobha yatra from Jammu city to mark Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti, officials said.
The procession was organised by the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha to celebrate the life and teachings of Bhagwan Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, an official spokesperson said.
Ahead of the flag-off ceremony, Sinha paid obeisance to Bhagwan Parshuram and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity for all.
President of the Sabha Ved Prakash Sharma and members of the organising committee were present on the occasion.
Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi and Devyani Rana, senior officials, heads of religious organisations and prominent citizens also attended the flag-off ceremony.
