Jammu, Jan 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday paid tributes to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary.
“I believe that Bapu is a living guide for today’s world. His philosophy of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance proves as essential today as during India's independence struggle, providing timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary crises and bridging divides that threaten global society's collective future,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He was speaking at the solemn event organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K.
The Lieutenant Governor also remembered and paid homage to the sacrifice and dedication of all great men and women on Martyrs’ Day.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha spoke on Jammu Kashmir's unwavering desire for peace and the timeless relevance of Gandhian values and ideals that have guided us through generations.
“The world and global society is changing rapidly. The humanity is facing new challenges today. Amid such turbulence, Mahatma Gandhi's serene yet formidable voice offers strength and direction to the global society. Bapu showed through his life and works that meaningful change demands not merely strength, but character and dedicated effort,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He further elaborated on Bapu’s vision for a resilient, peaceful and inclusive society.
“Bapu envisioned that safeguarding fundamental rights- human dignity, equality, justice, welfare of the marginalized, and women's and youth rights, dignity, and unity we can create unshakeable societal strength even amid gravest challenges,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the younger generation to recognize Gandhi's nonviolence as supreme courage, not weakness. He stated that through sacrifice and Satyagraha, Gandhi showed nonviolence as actionable wisdom.
“Gandhi throughout his life advocated dialogue instead of vengeance, compassion rather than rage, and understanding over confrontation. Bapu demonstrated that moral values are humanity's core strength and invaluable treasure, enabling a united society to overcome any challenge,” he said.
He expressed his firm belief that in times of global despair, hope will emerge from Gandhian values and principles.
“Following Gandhi's values enable us to address current issues, build better futures, create global harmony, and promote human welfare,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the grand celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti in J&K over the last six years have had a transformational impact in society. “This transformation is clearly visible in the massive public participation in national integration programs like the ‘Tiranga Yatra’, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, and ‘Vande Mataram’.”
He also called upon the citizens to take a collective pledge for an "Ujjawal Jammu Kashmir” and “Ujjawal Bharat,"
The Lieutenant Governor honoured the NoKs of martyrs, and family members of late Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, and civilians who lost their lives due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
School students were conferred with the Shanti Doot Puraskar for their efforts in promoting Gandhian values. Additionally, officials on behalf of the Civil Administration, J&K Police, and Security Forces also received the Rashtriya Sewa Puraskar.
Earlier, a two-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the Father of the Nation and the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice during India's struggle for freedom.
Padma Shri Dr SP Varma, President Gandhi Global Family J&K; Yudhvir Sethi and Ms Devyani Rana, Members of Legislative Assembly; Sanjeev Verma, Chief Electoral Officer J&K; Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherjee, GOC 25 Inf Division; Major Gen. Ajit M. Yeole, GOC 26 Division; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Lt Gen RK Sharma (Retd.), senior Vice President, Gandhi Global Family; senior officials; ex-Servicemen; family members of the martyrs, prominent citizens, youth in large number attended the commemorative event and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi