Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that Jammu stands as a symbol of India’s national unity and an unbroken cultural stream, reflecting the collective spirit that has sustained the idea of complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir through generations.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking after hoisting the Tricolour and inaugurating the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Flag Point at JDA Park, Ram Vihar, to mark the 82nd anniversary of the hoisting of the national flag on Indian soil by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1943.
Recalling the historic significance of December 30, 1943, when Netaji declared Port Blair free from British rule, the Lieutenant Governor said the moment had infused the nation with renewed resolve for independence and self-respect. He noted that the new Flag Point has been established to commemorate Netaji’s immense contribution to India’s freedom struggle and to pass on his ideals to future generations.
Paying tributes to Netaji, the Lieutenant Governor said the slogan “Jai Hind” given by him became a symbol of national valour that united the Azad Hind Fauj and continues to inspire the country today. He described Netaji’s patriotism as unparalleled and said his life and ideology underlined the importance of unity as the foundation for building a strong future.
Lieutenant Governor said Netaji firmly believed that a society divided by internal differences could never build a lasting nation.
He highlighted Netaji’s emphasis on Swaraj, empowerment of youth and women, economic self-reliance, industrialisation and promotion of small-scale industries, stating that these ideas laid the groundwork for a self-reliant India.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor said sustained efforts have been made in recent years to ensure that Netaji’s legacy receives its rightful place in national history.
Referring to Jammu’s historical role, the Lieutenant Governor said the indomitable spirit of its people has kept the flame of complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir alive over decades. He stressed that unity remains India’s greatest strength and is essential for the nation’s success, calling upon citizens to preserve their shared heritage and values.
Lieutenant Governor appreciated the Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Development Authority, Housing and Urban Development Department and the District Administration for their collaborative efforts in honouring Netaji’s legacy.
He also suggested that December 30 be observed every year with regular commemorative events.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor visited a photo gallery depicting the life and journey of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A documentary highlighting Netaji’s leadership and his pivotal role in India’s independence movement was also screened.
Members of the Legislative Assembly Sham Lal Sharma and Arvind Gupta, along with senior civil and police officials, Padma awardees, prominent citizens and people from different walks of life were present at the national flag hoisting ceremony.
Meanwhile, he also unveiled J&K Bank’s Wall and Table Calendars for the year 2026, at Lok Bhavan.
The Wall Calendar for 2026 is themed “Rivers of J&K and Ladakh”, while the Table Calendar showcases the region’s “Historic Places”, reflecting the diversity of human heritage and natural wonders of UT of Jammu & Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.
He appreciated the J&K Bank for selecting unique themes which will raise awareness about preserving ancient monuments, archaeological sites and traditions for future generations. He said society must come together to safeguard these priceless treasures.
He also emphasised on protecting earth’s vital ecosystems. He said rivers in J&K UT are source of fresh water and they are also ensuring food security and supporting biodiversity conservation. The Lieutenant Governor called for community efforts to protect rivers and water bodies to build resilience against climate impacts in the future.
Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO, Jammu & Kashmir Bank Limited briefed that the 2026 edition of J&K Bank’s calendars honour the rivers that sustain life across the regions and the historic sites that define their shared legacy.
The calendar also features important public welfare initiatives such as Mission YUVA and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, alongside J&K Bank’s key products including Housing Loan, Car Loan, Personal Consumption Loan and Online Account Opening, reinforcing the Bank’s role as a development partner and facilitator of people’s aspirations.
Santosh D.Vaidya, Principal Secretary, Finance Department; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Sudhir Gupta, Executive Director, Sunit Kumar and Imtiyaz Ahmad, Chief General Managers J&K Bank attended the unveiling ceremony.
