JAMMU, JANUARY 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi, observing that Gandhian values remain a guiding force for humanity amid rapidly changing global challenges.
“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 freedom struggle, offering timeless wisdom to address contemporary crises and bridge global divides,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He was speaking at a solemn function organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, where he also paid homage to the sacrifices of all great men and women on Martyrs’ Day.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the world is undergoing rapid transformation and humanity is facing new challenges. “Amid such turbulence, Pujya Mahatma Gandhi’s serene yet formidable voice offers strength and direction to global society,” he said, adding that meaningful change demands not just strength, but character and dedicated effort, as demonstrated by Bapu through his life and work.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted Gandhi’s vision of safeguarding human dignity, equality, justice, and the welfare of marginalised sections, stating that protection of women’s and youth rights and social unity can create an unshakeable society even during the gravest challenges.
Calling upon the younger generation to understand the true essence of Gandhian philosophy, LG Sinha said non-violence should be recognised as supreme courage, not weakness. “Through sacrifice and Satyagraha, Gandhi showed that non-violence is actionable wisdom,” he said.
He observed that Gandhi consistently advocated dialogue over vengeance, compassion over rage, and understanding over confrontation, adding that moral values are humanity’s greatest strength and enable a united society to overcome any challenge.
Expressing hope, the Lieutenant Governor said that in times of global despair, solutions will emerge from Gandhian values and principles, which can help address present-day issues, build a better future, promote global harmony and advance human welfare.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that grand celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti in J&K over the past six years have brought visible societal transformation, reflected in large public participation in national integration programmes such as Tiranga Yatra, Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram. He called upon citizens to collectively pledge towards building an “Ujjwal Jammu Kashmir” and “Ujjwal Bharat.”
On the occasion, 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 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 pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
A large number of dignitaries, including legislators, senior civil and police officers, ex-servicemen, youth and prominent citizens, attended the commemorative event and paid tributes to the Father of the Nation.
