Kashmir was, is & will always remain an Integral Part of India: LG Kavinder
Says Ladakh emerging as hub of sustainable development, youth aspirations
STATE TIMES NEWS
PHAGWARA: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, addressed the Rotary International District 3070 Annual Conference 2026 in Phagwara, speaking on the theme “Kashmir – Harmony with Mainstream India.” In his address, he highlighted the deep cultural, civilisational and democratic ties connecting Kashmir and Ladakh with the rest of India.
Describing Kashmir as the “crown of India,” Gupta said the region represents not just a geographical landscape but also a symbol of India’s civilisation, spirituality and resilience. He noted that Kashmir holds a special emotional place in the hearts of Indians and that its traditions, culture and history are deeply intertwined with the broader idea of India.
Referring to the ancient origins of Kashmir associated with Maharishi Kashyap, he highlighted the region’s rich heritage reflecting India’s ethos of unity in diversity. Sacred sites such as Sharda Peeth and Amarnath Cave Temple, along with revered Sufi shrines and Buddhist monasteries, have long symbolised spiritual harmony and cultural coexistence.
The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the difficult decades the region experienced due to turmoil and conflict. He said the suffering endured by people during those years should be remembered with empathy and sensitivity, noting that the pain of families who lost loved ones remains part of the region’s collective memory.
Highlighting the historic decision of Abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Gupta said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the move marked a transformative moment for Jammu and Kashmir. He said it ensured that the same constitutional rights and legal protections available across India are fully applicable to the people of the region.
Gupta said the change has ushered in a new era of opportunity, empowerment and development. He highlighted major infrastructure initiatives such as the Zojila Tunnel and Z-Morh Tunnel, which are improving connectivity and turning seasonal routes into all-weather lifelines.
He also pointed to the expansion of educational and healthcare infrastructure, including institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, providing better opportunities for youth closer to home. The successful hosting of a G20 Meeting in Srinagar 2023 and record tourist arrivals in Jammu and Kashmir were cited as signs of growing confidence and global visibility.
Sharing his experience since assuming office in July 2025, Gupta said he has travelled extensively across remote areas of Ladakh and praised the resilience of its people. He noted that since attaining Union Territory status in 2019, Ladakh has made notable progress in solar energy, sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship.
He emphasised that development and cultural preservation can progress together and said harmony with the national mainstream does not mean loss of identity. India’s strength, he added, lies in its diversity.
Later, Rohit Oberoi, District Governor, along with RI Director Gurjeet Singh Sheiko, presented the “Rotary World Changemaker Award” to Kavinder Gupta for his contributions to public service, governance and nation-building.
