Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that Jammu Kashmir holds the potential for a dynamic and flourishing future, growing into a vibrant center of culture and advancing into a prosperous Union Territory through steady progress.
“Achieving this vision ultimately depends on the younger generation. I sincerely hope that our youth will draw strength from the wisdom passed down by our ancestors and work with determination to elevate Jammu Kashmir to a place among the country’s developed regions,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Navreh celebrations, organised by Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Amphalla, Jammu. He invoked the blessings of Maa Sharika for the health, prosperity, and well-being of all.
Interacting with the devotees, the Lieutenant Governor wished that the New Year usher in a radiant dawn for everyone, illuminating paths to renewed hope and a thriving future.
“Worship of Maa Durga and Maa Sharika is a profound bow to the primal source of power from which universe spring. As Rigveda says, the Mother's strength is infinite. The true seeker who worships her with sincerity attains the essence of reality, from which all life's insights flow effortlessly.
I personally hold that Navreh and Navratri mark an inner journey. Over nine days of fasting, prayer, and discipline, Navratri transforms the devotee from within,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that our traditions outline four stages of devotion- attentively hearing the prayer, deeply contemplating it, internalizing it fully, and reaching samadhi, where the knower and the known merge as one. “I pray that all devotees experience these stages in life,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also encouraged the youth to build a strong and lasting connection with the timeless traditions, rich spiritual heritage and wisdom that remain among our greatest treasures.
“Youth will not merely inherit India's legacy but reshape it and propel it toward a developed, sustainable tomorrow,” he further said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also felicitated Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat.
Shri K.K Khosa, President, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Jammu; Shri Deepak Dhar, senior Vice President and other office-bearers of Kashmiri Pandit Sabha and people from different walks of life joined the Navreh celebrations.
Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; Dr Ashok Bhan, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Shri Ashok Koul, BJP General Secretary (Organisation), J&K and Ladakh; senior officials and prominent citizens were also present.