Jammu, Jan 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday paid tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi.
Addressing a solemn event organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said Mahatma Gandhi remains a living guide for the world even today.
“I believe that Bapu is a living guide for today’s world. His philosophy of non-violence, truth and self-reliance is as relevant today as it was during India’s independence struggle, offering timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary crises and bridging divisions that threaten the collective future of global society,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to the sacrifices of great men and women on Martyrs’ Day. Speaking on Jammu and Kashmir’s unwavering desire for peace, he highlighted the enduring relevance of Gandhian values and ideals that have guided generations.
“The world and global society are changing rapidly, and humanity is facing new challenges. Amid such turbulence, Pujya Mahatma Gandhi’s calm yet powerful voice offers strength and direction to the world. Through his life and work, Bapu showed that meaningful change requires not just strength, but character and dedicated effort,” he said.
Elaborating on Gandhi’s vision for a resilient, peaceful and inclusive society, the Lieutenant Governor said safeguarding fundamental rights—human dignity, equality, justice, and the welfare of the marginalised, along with the rights and dignity of women and youth—creates unshakeable societal strength even in the gravest of challenges.
Calling upon the younger generation, he said non-violence should be recognised as supreme courage, not weakness. “Through sacrifice and Satyagraha, Gandhi Ji demonstrated non-violence as actionable wisdom,” he said.
“Throughout his life, Gandhi Ji advocated dialogue over vengeance, compassion over rage, and understanding over confrontation. He proved that moral values are humanity’s greatest strength and an invaluable treasure that enables a united society to overcome any challenge,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
Expressing his belief that hope in times of global despair will emerge from Gandhian values, he said following Gandhi’s principles would help address current issues, build a better future, promote global harmony and enhance human welfare.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the grand celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years have had a transformational impact on society, reflected in massive public participation in national integration programmes such as the Tiranga Yatra, Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram.
He also called upon citizens to take a collective pledge for an “Ujjwal Jammu Kashmir” and an “Ujjwal Bharat”.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor honoured the 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.
Earlier, a two-minute silence was observed to honour Mahatma Gandhi and the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice during India’s freedom struggle.
Padma awardee Dr S.P. Varma, President of Gandhi Global Family J&K; MLAs Yudhvir Sethi and Devyani Rana; Chief Electoral Officer J&K Sanjeev Verma; Maj Gen Kaushik Mukherjee, GOC 25 Infantry Division; Maj Gen Ajit M. Yeole, GOC 26 Division; IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti; DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shiv Kumar Sharma; Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas; Lt Gen R.K. Sharma (Retd.), Senior Vice President of Gandhi Global Family; senior officials, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, prominent citizens and a large number of youth attended the commemorative event and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. (Agencies)
