Unveils Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in J&K Civil Secretariat
STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that villages in Jammu Kashmir are witnessing unprecedented growth due to the availability of various sources of income.
“New entrepreneurs are starting their new innings from villages and in terms of basic facilities, the gaps between village and the city are disappearing”, the Lt Governor said after unveiling the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and a Charkha installation, as a mark of tribute to the Father of the Nation on his Jayanti, at Civil Secretariat.
Efforts being made to create J&K of Bapu’s dreams: Sinha
SRINAGAR: Asserting that efforts are being made to create Jammu and Kashmir of Bapu’s dreams, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the voices being raised against violence from every corner of the Union Territory and huge participation of people in ‘Shanti Yatra’ is a testament that the teaching of peace and inclusive development of Mahatma Gandhi have turned into a Jan-Andolan.
He was speaking at a UT-level event organized by the Department of School Education to celebrate the 154th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The event also marked the culmination of the ‘Shanti Yatra’ started from Anantnag and series of other programmes which are the part of the month-long celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti held in schools across the UT. The Lt Governor extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Sinha recalled the eternal values of Mahatma Gandhi, which has been inspiring generations across the world and the power of truth, ahimsa, satyagraha, simple living is guiding entire humanity on the path of peace and brotherhood.
“Bapu’s thoughts are powerful instrument for prosperity, dignity and empowerment of people. His timeless ideals are the only effective instrument to tackle the challenges confronting the world,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor applauded the inspirational journey undertaken by more than 27,000 students during Shanti Yatra to pay homage to Bapu and his ideas and ideals.
Bapu’s life teaches us that spirit of dedication and purity of means, can not only ensure independence but the society can also be made prosperous, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor urged every section of the society, especially the youth to imbibe wisdom from the valued teachings of the Father of the Nation and strive to build a peaceful, inclusive and equitable society.
Each and every precious word of Bapu acts as an institution. What you will learn from his philosophy of life is not available anywhere else. Only the precious treasure of Bapu’s ideals will be able to guide you in nation building and it will empower you to protect the social interests, he said.
The lifelong campaigns of Pujya Bapu and his philosophy of truth, non-violence, selfless service, sacrifice, love and tolerance must continue to guide all the citizens to achieve the golden future of Jammu Kashmir, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor also commended the artists and students for depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi through their enthralling performances.
At the UT-level event, the Lt Governor honored the eminent Gandhians from across the country for their extraordinary contribution in promoting the teachings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
He also interacted with the participants of the Shanti Yatra and felicitated the students who have excelled in various competitions organized as a part of Gandhi Jayanti celebration.
On the occasion, the Gandhians including Padma Shri SP Varma; Ramesh Bhaiya; Laxmi Das; Dr Ranjana Mukhopadhyay, and Ashok Kapoor threw light on the lifelong campaigns of Mahatma Gandhi.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary, School Education; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Administrative Secretaries; senior officials; heads of educational institutions; students, teachers, youth and prominent citizens were present. Educational Institutions from across the UT also joined through virtual mode.
Following the ideals of Pujya Bapu, J&K in 2021-22 had established 21,640 manufacturing and service units in the villages with the help of KVIC, providing employment to more than 1.73 Lakh. In the last Financial Year, more than 10,628 new units had been installed, he added. “Pujya Bapu always believed that the message of Charkha’s circumference is much broader than its tangible circumference. The goal of the Charkha is to serve mankind, to live without hurting others, to create an inseparable bond between the rich and the poor, capital and labour,” the Lt Governor said.
Charkha was used as a significant tool by Bapu in the fight against British Rule. It is a symbol of Swadeshi movement, self-reliance and economic freedom, he said.
Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Lt Governor said the ideals of Bapu are for all humanity.
“I hope our officers, inspired by Bapu’s ideas and ideals, will continue to work dedicatedly for the dignity of every citizen in the society, for equality, social justice, and for a developed and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to develop the villages as the centre of socio-economic growth and transform the lives of the rural population.
The Lt Governor congratulated the Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) for the installation of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and Charkha. He also called for collective efforts by all the stakeholders for promotion of Swadeshi products. There is a need to promote city-based Self Help Groups engaged in Khadi, which has become a new fashion statement for youth, he said.
Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, KVIB; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; R K Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Administrative Secretaries and senior officers of UT and Police administration also paid their tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.