JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir has been successfully integrated into the national mainstream and is setting new benchmarks in development and patriotism.
“Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream, setting new benchmarks in development and showcasing profound patriotism through pivotal events like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of the Special Phase marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The Special Phase was organised from March 23 to March 30 to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Vande Mataram is not merely a song but a powerful symbol of the nation’s identity, strength and resolve. He noted that such initiatives revive the memories of martyrs, honour their sacrifices and renew the collective commitment towards the nation’s progress.
Calling upon every section of society to work together, he said there is a need to share a common vision of making India the world’s greatest nation. He stressed that when every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir contributes towards building a developed India, it will create an unstoppable collective force.
Highlighting the response to the campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the overwhelming participation of people in previous phases of the Vande Mataram programme reflects a transformative shift in Jammu and Kashmir and signals a promising future.
He observed that the past decade witnessed global crises, but India has remained resilient and emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that true patriotism forms the foundation of peace and progress and represents a sense of responsibility and contribution towards society.
He said the Vande Mataram initiative has provided an opportunity for reflection at the intersection of history and aspiration, inspiring citizens to honour the past, strengthen the present and commit to a brighter future.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a positive transformation, with growing public participation, strengthened cultural roots and increasing engagement in nation-building efforts.
He also called upon all sections of society to join the fight against drug abuse and turn the Nasha Mukt campaign into a people’s movement in the Union Territory.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition showcasing their contributions. The event also featured patriotic performances by artists of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu.
Several dignitaries, including legislators, senior officials, prominent citizens and youth, were present on the occasion.
