‘Ladakh, Border areas witnessed historic transformation under PM Modi’s leadership’
STATE TIMES NEWS
PUNE: The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday emphasised that India’s true strength lies not only in its formidable military power but also in the emotional integration of its border regions with the national mainstream. Addressing the Ladakh Festival and Kargil Gaurav National Awards-2025 ceremony held in Pune, he stated that national security must be viewed beyond the prism of armed might and should include emotional and psychological unity.
During the programme, the Lt Governor, accompanied by First Lady Bindu Gupta and Sanjay Nahar, Founder and President of ‘Sarhad’, conferred the Kargil Gaurav National Awards-2025 on distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions.
The awardees included Tarun Uppal of Nirbhay Bharat Foundation; Adv. Pralhad Kokre, Chairman of Cosmos Co-operative Bank Ltd.; AVM Nitin Vaidya (Retd.); Maj. Gen. Shashikant Pitre (Retd.); senior journalist Rajeev Sabade; Zelam Chaubal, Director of Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd.; social worker Raj Deshmukh; and architect Dilip Kale. Tarun Uppal has been a committed social reformer focused on youth and community development in Jammu and Kashmir. As the leader of the Nirbhay Bharat Foundation, he has tackled pressing issues such as drug abuse, women’s empowerment, and youth engagement. His initiatives promote active participation in sports, culture, education, and nation-building, fostering resilience and hope across communities in the Union Territory.
In his address, Kavinder Gupta highlighted that while India’s armed forces vigilantly guard the nation’s physical borders, institutions, civil society organisations and citizens play an equally vital role in protecting the country’s emotional frontiers. He underlined that lasting peace and national unity can only be achieved when people living in border areas feel a deep sense of belonging and connection with the rest of the country. Recalling his visit to the Kargil War Memorial at Drass shortly after assuming office, the Lt Governor paid homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. He described their courage, discipline and professionalism as a timeless source of inspiration for the nation. He also acknowledged the invaluable support extended by local residents of Kargil-villagers, shepherds and porters-who assisted the armed forces at great personal risk, reflecting the strong bond of trust between the Army and border communities. Highlighting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said India has witnessed a historic transformation in its approach to national security and border area development. He noted that under the guiding principle of “Nation First,” the armed forces have seen enhanced operational preparedness, modernisation and morale. Focused development of border regions, improved infrastructure, better connectivity and enhanced facilities for soldiers reflect India’s comprehensive and dignified approach to border security, he added. Gupta also praised civil society organisations like ‘Sarhad’ for their significant role in fostering emotional integration through education and cultural outreach. He appealed to citizens to contribute actively to nation-building, stating that the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can be realised only through collective responsibility and participation.
Earlier, Sanjay Nahar spoke about Sarhad’s journey and its work in remote and sensitive regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, aimed at bridging emotional and cultural gaps. The event also featured vibrant cultural performances by students and was attended by several eminent personalities, reinforcing the message of unity, patriotism and inclusive nation-building.