Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi, describing him as a living guide for the modern world and underscoring the continued relevance of his principles of non-violence, truth and self-reliance.
Speaking at a solemn event organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said Gandhian philosophy remains essential in addressing present-day global challenges and bridging social and ideological divides.
“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,” Sinha said.
He also paid homage to all martyrs and freedom fighters on Martyrs’ Day, recalling their sacrifice and dedication to the nation. A two-minute silence was observed during the event as a mark of respect.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s aspiration for peace, the Lieutenant Governor said Gandhian ideals have guided generations and continue to offer strength and direction amid rapid global changes and emerging challenges. He noted that meaningful change requires not just strength but character and sustained effort, as demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work.
Sinha elaborated on Gandhi’s vision of a resilient, peaceful and inclusive society built on dignity, equality, justice and welfare of the marginalised, as well as the rights of women and youth. He urged the younger generation to see non-violence as a form of supreme courage rather than weakness, stressing that Gandhi’s path of Satyagraha showed how moral force can bring transformative change.
He said Gandhian values such as dialogue over vengeance, compassion over anger and understanding over confrontation are crucial for building a united and harmonious society. Expressing confidence in these principles, he said hope in times of global despair would emerge from Gandhian thought.
The Lieutenant Governor also noted that Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in J&K over the past six years have had a transformational social impact, reflected in mass participation in programmes like Tiranga Yatra, Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram. He called upon citizens to take a collective pledge for an “Ujjawal Jammu Kashmir” and an “Ujjawal Bharat.”
During the event, Sinha honoured next of kin of martyrs, 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 promoting Gandhian values, while officials from the civil administration, J&K Police and security forces received the Rashtriya Sewa Puraskar.
The commemorative programme was attended by public representatives, senior civil and police officials, army officers, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, and a large number of citizens and youth.
