‘Govt committed for welfare of artists, their families’
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called upon the Bharat scouts and guides to act as the ‘agents of change’ at the grassroots level and inspire the youth to dedicate themselves towards constructive transformation of the society and the nation.
“Youth is the only power that we have today to develop a progressive society and a prosperous nation. Through youth we can ignite the flame of transformation,” Sinha said, attending the Rajya Puraskar ceremony of J-K Bharat Scouts and Guides here.
He said it is important to task scouts and guides to tackle socio-economic challenges because they have the potential to provide innovative solutions.
The Lt Governor presented J-K Bharat Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar certificates to scouts and guides, rovers and rangers and extended his felicitations to all the recipients.
He said these certificates are recognition of their dedication, selfless service, hard work, and discipline.
The Lt Governor lauded the exemplary contribution of everyone associated with the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement towards community services and nation building.
“J-K Bharat Scouts and Guides is on the mission to ensure that service to others is a motto of society before self. With this vision J-K Bharat Scouts and Guides are doing commendable work in fostering the spirit of national integration and working selflessly for betterment of society,” he said.
Sinha asked the J-K Bharat scouts and guides to create awareness among the people on various socio-economic issues and also work towards preservation and protection of natural resources and environment.
“I want J-K Bharat Scouts and Guides to create a network of youth leaders in different sectors, connect the youth with the cultural heritage and traditions, and build a dedicated team of scouts and guides who lead the fight against drug abuse,” the Lt Governor said.
Sinha, also the Chief Patron of Jammu and Kashmir Bharat Scouts and Guides, reiterated his commitment to facilitate the smooth operations of J-K Bharat Scouts and Guides.
“Along with the annual grant-in-aid, whatever kind of support and financial help they require will definitely be provided,” he said.
He also assured every possible support from the government for the smooth conduct of the upcoming national integration camp.
The Lt Governor also felicitated the scout masters and guide captains.
He also said that the state’s administration is committed to the welfare of artists who, through various forms of art, folk music, theatre, cinema and literature, have strengthened the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’
Inaugurating ‘Jashn-e-Jammu Kashmir,’ Sinha appreciated the collaborative efforts of the J-K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the Jammu Kashmir Artists Association.
“Jashn-e-Jammu Kashmir is an occasion to recall our rich folk culture, which is a source of pride for the nation and strengthens the ideals of unity in diversity. Around 350 artists participating in this event represent different arts, a variety of folk dances, and expressions that reflect the soft power of India and its ancient civilization,” he said.
Speaking about the extraordinary journey of Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years, the Lt Governor said that the government, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, is working with the resolve of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ (development and heritage together).
“It is a matter of pride that, on one hand, industries and infrastructural development have reached new heights, while on the other, J-K has witnessed the revival of art and culture,” he said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to the welfare of artists and their families.
“I want our gifted artists to play a leading role in nurturing society. Artists provide new perspectives to citizens and energise social progress. In order to maintain the pace of development, it is necessary that teachers, scientists and artists work together and serve the nation,” he said.
Referring to the peaceful conduct of parliamentary and legislative assembly elections in J-K last year, the Lt Governor said there was no rigging or repolling during the democratic exercises.
“Many anticipated violence and loss of life, but not even a single stone-pelting incident was reported,” he said.
The Lt Governor felicitated various artists for their valuable contributions in the field of art and culture.
