Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that a nation rooted in its culture and traditions never loses its direction, while emphasising the need for the younger generation to remain connected to their civilisational values and heritage.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the 9th Maati Samman Samaroh in Mumbai, a festival celebrating the art, culture, food and tourism of Purvanchal. On the occasion, he also felicitated distinguished personalities from Purvanchal.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the historical, cultural and spiritual ties between Purvanchal and Maharashtra run very deep.
“A glimpse of it is seen in Lord Ram’s Vanvas, when he visited Panchvati and worshipped at Kashi Vishwanath and Trimbakeshwar, strengthening the spiritual traditions of both the regions,” he said.
Describing Purvanchal as more than a geographical region, the Lieutenant Governor said it represented a larger civilisational consciousness.
“Purvanchal is not just a region on the map but Purvanchal is a consciousness. It is a living energy that has offered humanity a fresh perspective. Purvanchal is an idea. To me Purvanchal is both a celebration of spirituality and an expression of devotion,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Purvanchal reflected the fragrance of art, the exuberance of culture and the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati along with the traditions of ascetic and selfless sages.
Highlighting the contributions of LokmataAhilyabai Holkar, Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar, he said their role in preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage was extraordinary.
“When Purvanchal was wounded by invaders and it was struggling to reclaim its spiritual and cultural radiance, LokmataAhilyabai Holkar took up the mantle. From Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Manikarnika, Dashashwamedh and Ahilyabai ghats, many temples and ghats came into being because of LokmataAhilyabai’s patronage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also referred to saints from Maharashtra and Purvanchal, including Sant Tukaram, Sant Gyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, Sant Ramdas, Goswami Tulsidas, Sant Kabir and Sant Ravidas, saying they awakened social consciousness and showed society a new path.
The Lieutenant Governor said Purvanchal carried a rich spiritual and intellectual legacy stretching from Lord Rama to the Buddha and had shaped India’s philosophical, literary and artistic traditions.
He said places like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Sarnath, Varanasi and Kushinagar continue to guide humanity, while literary figures like Munshi Premchand and Bharatendu Harishchandra, and artists such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi and Birju Maharaj enriched the country’s cultural life.
Paying tribute to freedom fighters including Mangal Pandey, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rani Lakshmibai and Chittu Pandey, the Lieutenant Governor said they changed the destiny of the nation through sacrifice and courage.
He also highlighted the contribution of indentured labourers from Purvanchal who carried Indian culture to countries such as Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Suriname and Guyana.
Referring to the economic contribution of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Maharashtra, the Lieutenant Governor said migrant workers from these regions had significantly contributed to Maharashtra’s industrial growth and economic strength.
Emphasising the importance of preserving roots and traditions, the Lieutenant Governor said, “No tree grows tall by abandoning its roots. It rises because its roots reach deep into the earth. The deeper the roots, the bolder the branches that stretch toward the sky.”
“This nation was shaped by generations who sacrificed, who lived by values, who nurtured society like a family, and who tended the soul of culture. A nation that knows its own spirit never loses its way. The strength of the future will depend on how deeply we honor our roots,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan celebrated the Statehood Day of Sikkim, at Srinagar.
The event brought together students, security personnel and people of Sikkim living in the Union Territory.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people of Sikkim on the occasion.
“Sikkim, the sacred land of Guru Padmasambhava, shines like a radiant star among Himalayan states and UTs. It is recognised globally as a model of organic farming, peace and spirituality. The incredible linguistic diversity and rich cultural heritage distinguish Sikkim on the world stage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sikkim is scaling new heights of development and stands at the forefront of the nation’s vision.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the emotional bond shared among all Indian states/UTs is deeply rooted in the core values of unity, compassion and brotherhood.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that the landmark July 2022 J&K-Sikkim horticulture agreement has yielded groundbreaking results in fostering interaction among youth, farmers and researchers from both regions.
“I regard this thriving collaboration as a prime example of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. This spirit of mutual partnership will prove instrumental in realizing our collective resolve for a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
May Sikkim, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and remarkable achievements in sustainable development and organic farming, continue to scale new heights of growth and development. I pray for the well-being and prosperity of all its citizens,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
