Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the life and works of Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza continue to serve as an enduring symbol of India's cultural richness, inclusivity, and shared human values. He was delivering the keynote address at an International Seminar on Dr. Raza, organised at the University of Kashmir, which brought together eminent literary figures, scholars, and artists from across India and abroad.

“Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza was deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural traditions of the country and always believed in shared humanity that transcended individual differences. He promoted interconnectedness, inclusivity, peaceful coexistence and harmony among different faiths,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Terming Dr. Raza as one of the greatest writers of his generation, Sinha said his contributions to Hindi and Urdu literature have left an indelible mark on India's literary and cultural landscape.

“The tangible and intangible legacy of Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza is priceless and a beacon of light for young generations. His writings reflected the social fabric of India - the struggles, aspirations and the unifying thread of humanity that binds us all,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the timeless wisdom of Dr. Raza's work carries important lessons for the present times, where harmony and collective identity remain vital for national progress.

“The rich legacy of Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza will continue to guide our society toward progress and prosperity by fostering shared identity, social cohesion, and the values of inclusivity,” he added.

Calling for a revival of India's cultural and intellectual heritage, Sinha said strong national identity, rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, is key to the country's holistic growth.

“Our cultural heritage can foster collective identity, build resilience and solidarity among diverse groups to drive economic growth. We must learn from the past, gain self-confidence, and let historical wisdom and ideals guide us toward future opportunities,” he said.

The LG emphasised the need to blend tradition with technology to ensure equal opportunities for all, adding that development must be rooted in cultural consciousness.

“Our sole aim is to foster peace and prosperity to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat,” he said.

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