The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the Mulaqat programme in Pulwama, an initiative of Save Youth, Save Future Foundation, dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of India’s shared heritage.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that dialogue is not merely an exchange of words but a bridge between hearts, a means of nurturing trust and a path to peace and prosperity.
Quoting ancient wisdom from the Rig Veda- “Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam”, the Lieutenant Governor reminded the gathering that walking together, conversing together and making space for one another in our hearts is the essence of India’s civilizational ethos. He noted that diversity is not a weakness but the nation’s greatest strength, a heritage safeguarded through mutual trust and respect.
“Mutual trust and respect to all faiths and beliefs was an integral part of our way of life. The civilisation of our beloved Bharat gave us a profoundly beautiful message 6,000 years ago to walk together, converse together and make space for one another in our hearts,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that India’s soil has, for centuries, welcomed faiths, cultures, and traditions from across the world, weaving them into the fabric of the country. He highlighted that this confluence of traditions is visible today in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-the world is one family-and in the ethos of Kashmiriyat, which teaches that true identity lies in conduct and humanity, not in labels of faith or community.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation, the Lieutenant Governor commended the young volunteers working against drug abuse and promoting brotherhood. He urged that such initiatives be expanded on a broader scale.
“Such initiatives need to be expanded on a much broader scale. I believe that another meaning of true peace is that it begins when we start understanding one another. From that perspective, our gathering here is not merely a social meeting. The true meaning of Mulaqat is to listen to one another, understand one another, respect one another and, wherever there is distance between hearts, take the first step towards dialogue.
Through programmes such as Mulaqat, we must create a culture in which people belonging to all faiths, all systems of worship and all sections of society sit together, discuss issues, examine the truth and assess reality. Wherever a wall has been erected between people, everyone must work together to bring it down," the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also outlined a six-point roadmap for the future and called upon administration and all sections of society to Institutionalise regular interfaith dialogues in schools, colleges, and community centres to foster understanding among youth. He stressed on Youth Peace Ambassadors and called upon youth to lead initiatives in cultural exchange, community service, and environmental protection.
He noted that preserving historical and cultural sites as common heritage through joint participation of citizens and administration is significant. The Lieutenant Governor urged youth to promote digital literacy and counter misinformation to safeguard public trust.
“It is the collective responsibility of the public and the administration to ensure that youth receive an education that teaches them to ask questions, access to technology that guides them towards progress, and the character that inspires patriotism and nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also highlighted the role of social justice and equal opportunities for progressive society and asked all the stakeholders to ensure impartial systems that deliver education, employment, healthcare, and justice to all citizens. In his sixth and last recommendation, the Lieutenant Governor asked for constituting Village Peace Committees, representing all sections of society to strengthen compassion, humanity and development.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that while governments can make laws and administrations can provide systems, true harmony is built by the people themselves. He called upon administrative officers to ensure the safety of citizens, equal opportunities in development and proper implementation of welfare schemes.
On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Sports Stadium, Pulwama. He also commended the people of Pulwama for their enthusiastic participation in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and other national integration programmes.
Shri Javaid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir Range; Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama; Ms. Tanushree, SSP Pulwama; Shri Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation; Ms Anika Nazir, Women's Wing President, Shri Mudasir Dar, Zonal President (South Kashmir) and other members of the Foundation; senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens, people from different walks of life and youth in large number attended the Mulaqat programme.