FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday led the celebrations of Union Territory Diwas to mark the foundation day of Jammu and Kashmir and paid rich tributes to the architect of modern India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his birth anniversary. The event was observed with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across the Union Territory, symbolizing unity, progress, and the spirit of nation-building.
At the main function in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor administered the ‘Unity Pledge’ to officers, students, and citizens and later flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’—a mass event organized to honour Sardar Patel’s unmatched role in unifying India.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor described October 31, 2019, as a historic turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s journey, marking the birth of a new, aspirational Union Territory. “The dreams of peace, progress, and prosperity cherished by the people for decades have been realized within a remarkably short span of time,” he said.
Highlighting the major transformations witnessed since the reorganization of J&K, LG Sinha said the administration has achieved unprecedented milestones in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and rural empowerment. “All forms of discrimination have been eliminated, ensuring that social justice, equality, and merit form the cornerstone of our governance system,” he asserted.
He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee—who both dreamed of a strong, integrated, and self-reliant India—is being fulfilled through the all-round development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Calling for unity and collective responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to contribute towards building an “Aatm-Nirbhar J&K and Viksit Bharat.”
“We must follow the ideals of Sardar Patel and work as a unified force for inclusive growth. We have made history through all-round progress and must continue this journey as one unbreakable entity,” he remarked.
Referring to the political roadmap ahead, LG Sinha reaffirmed that Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have made it clear that the restoration of statehood will follow the completion of the delimitation process and assembly elections, “at an appropriate time.”
Touching upon the administration’s tough stance against militancy, the Lieutenant Governor made it clear that the termination of government employees found involved in terror activities will continue until the ecosystem of terrorism is completely uprooted from public institutions. “We are determined to cleanse the governance system of all such elements,” he added firmly.
He appealed to citizens to remain united against divisive forces attempting to derail the ongoing development momentum. “Attempts are being made to stall our progress, but people must stand together to ensure that peace and development continue uninterrupted,” LG Sinha said.
Addressing government officials and public representatives, he called for greater accountability and dedication in serving the people. “It is our shared duty to sustain peace, harmony, and the developmental pace that has transformed Jammu and Kashmir since 2019,” he emphasized.
The Lieutenant Governor also outlined his administration’s vision for the future, guided by what he described as the “Four Ps” — Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and People First. He stressed that the aspirations of J&K are now deeply aligned with those of the nation and that the path to prosperity lies in collective unity and determination.
To commemorate the day, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a special Photo Exhibition titled “An Era of Transformative Governance in Jammu and Kashmir.” The exhibition showcased the major developmental milestones and welfare initiatives achieved in the past few years. A documentary film, “Viksit Jammu Kashmir,” produced by the Department of Information and Public Relations, was also screened, highlighting the region’s rapid transformation.
The event also featured inspiring interactions with young achievers and budding entrepreneurs, who shared their success stories as examples of the new opportunities emerging in the Union Territory.
Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Special DG Coordination S.J.M. Gillani, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, along with senior officers from the civil administration, police, and security forces. Heads of educational institutions, students, and citizens from various walks of life also participated in the celebrations.
The UT Diwas celebrations thus reflected a renewed spirit of unity, determination, and optimism — a reaffirmation of Jammu and Kashmir’s firm resolve to move forward on the path of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.
