J&K Integrated Into National Mainstream Under PM: LG

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)

• Says Vande Mataram Is Our Identity, Strength & Vow

• 'Patriotism Must Translate Into Responsibility & Contribution'

Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that Jammu Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting new benchmarks in development and showcasing patriotism through initiatives like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of the special phase marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at Abhinav Theatre here.

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“Vande Mataram is our identity, strength, and vow. It is not just verses but a profound experience woven into our civilization's fabric,” Sinha said.

“Vande Mataram singing and related events revives memories of immortal martyrs, honors their sacrifices, and renews our commitment to India's glory,” he added.

He called upon every section of society to share one dream of making India the world's greatest nation.

“We must unite to realize it. When every citizen of J&K UT dedicates themselves to building a developed India, I believe that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” he said.

The special phase organised from March 23 to 30, 2026 was held to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honor the great martyrs of the freedom struggle whose sacrifices paved the way for India's independence.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the devotion and fervor in Jammu Kashmir towards Vande Mataram reflects how the Union Territory has shed painful chapters and embraced the ideals worked upon over the last five-six years.

Referring to earlier phases of the programme, he said that in the first phase (November 7–14, 2025), nine of India's top ten performing districts were from Jammu Kashmir, with Kishtwar at number one. In the second phase (January 19–26, 2026), six districts were from Jammu Kashmir, led by Poonch.

“The overwhelming participation of people of Jammu Kashmir in the previous two phases of Vande Mataram event and embrace of its values signal a transformative power for the future,” he said.

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“I firmly believe a region's greatest strength lies in its ability to envision its future. In Jammu Kashmir, I'm witnessing that potential flourish,” he added.

“It's vital to spread the message that true patriotism is the bedrock of peace and progress. It's a sense of responsibility, a spirit of contribution, assuring us that we can better the world together,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said Vande Mataram symbolized the dream, goal and resolve generations fought for and the special week-long phase offered moments to reflect at the confluence of history and aspiration.

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“Vande Mataram inspires us to honor our past, empower our present, and pledge a bright future. This was a UT-level introspection, reviving cultural roots through public participation and enlisting every citizen in nation-building,” he said.

Referring to global developments, including Ukraine and West Asia, he said India has emerged resilient and continues to sustain its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

“Let us draw strength from his resolve and stride shoulder-to-shoulder toward a strong, prosperous India,” he said.

He also called upon political parties, civil society members and all sections of society to join the fight against drug menace and transform the Nasha Mukt campaign into a people's movement in Jammu Kashmir.

Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their contributions.

The event featured patriotic performances by artists of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu.

Among those present were MLAs Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretaries Shaleen Kabra and Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma; Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma; Vice Chancellors of various universities and senior officials.

Padma Shri awardees Dr Jitendra Udhampuri and Dr S P Varma, along with citizens from different walks of life and youth in large numbers, also attended the ceremony.

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