Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday emphasised that social and religious harmony is the cornerstone for building a strong society, a peaceful Jammu Kashmir and a developed India, while addressing an Interfaith Dialogue for Harmony organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation in Baramulla.
Highlighting Jammu Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of brotherhood and coexistence, the Lieutenant Governor said the region’s identity has been shaped by the teachings of saints, Sufis and Rishis who promoted love, compassion and unity among communities.
“Jammu Kashmir embodies harmony and brotherhood. For generations, people of different faiths received respect and experienced spiritual peace. It is the lasting legacy of the saints, Sufis, and Rishis who spent centuries teaching our people the power of love, compassion, and unity,” LG Sinha said.
Commending the efforts of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation in the fight against drug abuse, the Lieutenant Governor said the youth volunteers had taken up a significant responsibility in creating a better future for Jammu Kashmir.
“Through the Drug Free J&K campaign, we have strengthened trust within our families and institutions, reinforced youth’s confidence in their future, and sent a message across the country that when a society rises up on its own, it can overcome the biggest challenges,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor underlined that Jammu Kashmir’s spiritual heritage belongs to every citizen, irrespective of religion or faith.
Referring to the teachings of Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam, he said their message transcended religious boundaries and focused on humanity, compassion and service.
“Lal Ded’s teachings didn’t belong to one religion. Her Vakh spoke directly to the human heart. She never judged people by their faith. Instead, Lal Ded focused on bringing different ways of worship together. Similarly, Sheikh-ul-Alam showed us that true devotion isn’t about conflict or division. It is found in compassion and in serving every single human being,” he said.
He added that the flourishing Rishi-Sufi tradition of Kashmir does not advocate superiority of one faith over another but teaches that all religions derive strength from the same existence.
“This heritage does not belong only to Hindus, only to Muslims, only to Sikhs, Buddhists or Christians. It is the legacy of every citizen born on this sacred land, and protecting this heritage is our moral and spiritual duty,” LG Sinha said.
Recalling the challenges faced by Jammu Kashmir due to terrorism and drug abuse, he said these issues had affected the dreams and aspirations of young people.
“For a long time, this land suffered from the scourge of drugs and terrorism, and that impacted the consciousness, dreams and futures of the youth. Today I say with full conviction that that era has now ended,” LG Sinha said.
He added that the youth of Jammu Kashmir have now taken charge of their future and the Union Territory is moving towards a new era of education, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual awareness and national unity.
“Let us together build a Jammu Kashmir that is stronger, more prosperous, peaceful and progressive,” he said.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor attended the Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan in Baramulla and described the event as a revival of the region’s glorious spiritual and cultural heritage.
“This Sammelan marks a spiritual rebirth for the region. It sends a powerful message of harmony and national unity from Baramulla across Jammu Kashmir and the entire country,” LG Sinha said.
He said Baramulla had remained a centre of culture, knowledge and spiritual exchange for centuries.
“For many centuries Baramulla remained a gateway of culture, a confluence of ideas, and a great centre of spiritual knowledge. Through today’s Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan, we are reviving our glorious heritage of Baramulla,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Mahayajna represents selfless sacrifice and collective responsibility aimed at global peace.
“On this land, where all faiths are respected, the Mahayajna is breathing new life into our spiritual legacy, which has given Jammu Kashmir a distinctive and unique identity in the world,” he said.
Quoting the ancient Indian philosophy of “LokaḥSamastaḥSukhino Bhavantu” (May all beings everywhere be happy and healthy), LG Sinha said India’s spiritual traditions have always promoted inclusiveness and compassion.
“At a time when the world struggles with divisions and conflicts, the prayers rising from this sacred land of Baramulla and the verses of the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita offer humanity a powerful message of peace, goodwill and coexistence,” he said.
Calling for cultural revival, LG Sinha urged people to preserve languages, literature, arts and traditions and pass the wisdom of ancestors to future generations.
“The Mahayajna Dharma Sammelan will be truly successful only when its message reaches the youth and inspires them. India’s youth must innovate, guide ideas and write a new chapter of progress with compassion,” he said.
He added that modernity and spirituality must move together for India’s youth to lead the world.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor also met several public delegations and assured appropriate action on the issues raised by them.
Senior officials, including Major General Manoj Joshi, GoC Dagger Division; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture Department; Dr Vinod Kumar, DIG North Kashmir Range; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid; SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh, besides civil society members, religious leaders, youth and prominent citizens were present at the events.
