Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today inaugurated the 5th edition of Kashmiri Pandit Premier League (KPPL) at MA Stadium, Jammu.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations and best wishes to all the players participating in one of the biggest cricket tournaments in Jammu.
“Life is best defined by sports. One of the main objectives of life is to maintain a fine balance between body, mind and soul and this is what sports teaches us,” the Lieutenant Governor observed.
He said, the sports field inspires us to convert dreams into action and performance so that the society can become more energetic.
“Sports gives us courage and determination to achieve the impossible. Sports gives us dreams and provides the strength and courage to fulfil those dreams,” he further added
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the Lalitaditya Sports, Education and Health Organization on its endeavour to promote sports.
“I often say one thing that the best performance of any sportsperson is not for any other player or team but he plays to overcome his own limitations,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the initiatives like Kashmiri Pandit Premier League will provide a vibrant platform to the players to hone their abilities and overcome their limitations. It will also help in developing a good rapport among the members of Kashmiri Pandit community living in different parts of the country, he added.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment towards the welfare and empowerment of Kashmiri Pandit Community.
“Kashmiri Pandit community is a living example of the ideals and values of sacrifice, resilience, determination and nationalism enshrined in our culture. I am truly proud of their accomplishments at national and international arena,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“I see Kashmiri Pandit community as a ray of light for the bright future of the country,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that we must follow the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ and ensure that every youth is included in, and harnessed to, the process of development.
“We are one of the world’s oldest civilizations and have an exceptionally young demographic profile. This opens up for us the possibility of a demographic dividend. It is potentially the single most important comparative advantage we enjoy which could be leveraged to catapult India to the front ranks of human civilization,” he said.
He further called upon the youth to stay connected with their social & cultural roots and selflessly serve the society.
“I have great faith in the youth of Jammu Kashmir. It is our collective responsibility to provide them with the necessary opportunities and handholding and empower them to contribute to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sh Anil Bhat, President, Lalitaditya Sports, Education and Health Organization shared the future endeavour of his organization to organise a similar tournament in Kashmir as well.
Sh Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Dr. Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants) J&K; senior officials of UT and Police Administration, prominent citizens, sportspersons and members of Lalitaditya Sports, Education and Health Organization were present.