Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the infrastructure upgradation and beautification works at holy Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi District. The works were completed by JSW Group under its Corporate Social Responsibility.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Shri Sajjan Jindal, CMD of JSW Group and his entire team for the historic endeavour. “I see this as a profound act of kindness for humanity's shared heritage,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said since the 2023 MoU with JSW Group, we awaited this day and today, anticipation ends.
“Shiv Khori's awakening begins. We have not only upgraded infrastructure but fortified faith itself.
I have always held a firm conviction that the light of spirituality must be readily accessible to every person in society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the infrastructure upgradation of Shiv Khori is an announcement that the holy shrines of our ancient tradition are being reawakened and restored to life. He said that, today, devotees’ perseverance bears fruit and we fulfilled the vibrant dreams of our ancestors who yearned for it.
“Our strong belief in spirituality has guided every effort - from the historic upgradation for Baba Amarnath Yatra, to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's vision of transforming the entire region into a living spiritual corridor, to placing Shiv Khori firmly on the map of India's great centers of devotion.,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that it is his prime objective to make Jammu Kashmir a vibrant, breathing spiritual heart of the nation.
“After five years of sustained efforts, I can say with quiet satisfaction-that dream is no longer distant.
Today I say with deep confidence that after centuries, Jammu Kashmir is experiencing a genuine spiritual, cultural, and social renaissance. This Union Territory is re-emerging as a center of knowledge, art, music, and philosophy,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said that the flame of tapas and dharma for which this land was once renowned across the world - we are relighting it with full conviction.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to create balance in inner and outer life.
“This renaissance is for you. Come to the sacred shrines of this land and allow yourself to feel what centuries of unbroken devotion feel like when it meets you in silence. That energy does not belong to the past. It flows still- and it is yours to draw from,” he further said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted a series of upcoming facilities designed to enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims at visiting the holy Shri Shiv Khori shrine.
“The new helipad is slated for completion this month. Heli-services for the devotees of Shri Shiv Khori is also expected to start from the month of April. To protect pilgrims from unpredictable weather and shooting stones, a protective track shed will also be completed soon.
A future development roadmap has also been prepared. Recognizing the heavy footfall during festive seasons, an alternative track between Ram Mandir and Shiv Khori will be constructed for decongestion.
Comprehensive repair and renovation work of the Ransoo Shrine building and existing tracks will be taken up, while adequate sanitation facilities will be provided along the track. A serai and langar facility will also come up for pilgrims in Ransoo,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the time has come for the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board to introduce a 'Sound and Light Show' to enrich the experience of the devotees. With the collective interest and consensus, the feasibility of a Ropeway project may be explored, he said.
“We are fully committed to creating a thriving ecosystem where local traders, artisans, youth, and women can access new opportunities, ensuring prosperity for every family,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also flagged off garbage collection vehicle donated by J&K Bank to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
The works inaugurated today includes renovation of Shivam Dwar (Darshani Deodi); repair and renovation of Mahadev Bhawan including Yatra Registration Counter; existing Ghat refurbishment (near Shivam Dwar); Gazebos near bathing Ghat and near Shani Mandir; Toilet Complexes; renovation of Medical Kiosk near Ram Mandir; construction of Pony Shed at Ransoo near Darshani Deodi and installation of Lights at various locations.
Shri Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Member of Legislative Assembly from Reasi; Shri Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), JSW Group; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Chairman Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board; Ms Sarah Rizvi, DIG Udhampur and Reasi Range; Shri Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner Reasi; senior officials; prominent citizens from different walks of life and devotees in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.