SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday exhorted the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to nurture grand aspirations while remaining firmly connected to the nation’s profound cultural and spiritual heritage. He delivered these remarks at the Lal Ded Literary Awards ceremony held in Srinagar.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Lieutenant Governor attended the award function where he also launched “Lal Ded: The Mother of Kashmir,” a recent publication authored by Dr. Vaidehi Taman. During his address, Sinha encouraged writers, artists, and intellectuals to transmit the enduring wisdom of luminaries such as Lal Ded, Kabir, Nund Rishi, Guru Nanak, and Tulsidas to younger generations.
Addressing the assembled audience, Sinha articulated that India’s most significant strength resides in its spiritual, scientific, and cultural legacy. He emphasized that this heritage, meticulously preserved over centuries, must continue to serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.
“Youth are the builders of our future,” the Lieutenant Governor stated. “Do not settle for ordinary achievements. Dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. Our nation’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work, and collective effort.”
Sinha further commented that India’s progress has consistently been underpinned by a harmonious integration of scientific advancement and deep-seated spiritual values. He posited that the country’s ongoing development necessitates both innovation and unwavering moral fortitude.
He appealed to young individuals to draw inspiration from the nation’s rich heritage as they contribute to the establishment of a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, he urged society at large to re-engage with traditions that may have faded over time, whether manifested in language, folklore, songs, or cultural practices, and to ensure their transmission to future generations.
Underscoring the pivotal role of literature and education in the process of nation-building, Sinha highlighted that writers, educators, and artists significantly shape society by safeguarding knowledge, fostering compassion, and providing guidance to the youth.
“In this rapidly changing world, we need writers and educators more than ever,” he remarked. “Literature makes us compassionate, while education equips us with knowledge. Together, they create responsible citizens capable of leading the nation forward.”
The Lieutenant Governor observed that today’s youth find themselves at a juncture between tradition and modernity, possessing advanced technology but often seeking a clear sense of purpose. He added that writers have a crucial role in inspiring young minds to remain grounded in their cultural identity while simultaneously embracing innovation and novel concepts.
In his address, Sinha also put forth five specific appeals to intellectuals, educators, scientists, and creators. These included encouraging independent thinking among the youth, preserving and meticulously documenting India’s cultural heritage, translating abstract ideas into tangible practical solutions, actively mentoring the next generation, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to effectively address global challenges such as climate change.
In response to a request made during the ceremony for the establishment of a museum dedicated to Lal Ded and other distinguished personalities, Sinha assured that appropriate measures would be taken to address this demand.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and President of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, renowned writer Prof. Neerja Mattoo, author Dr. Vaidehi Taman, Padma awardee Dr. S.P. Varma, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, SSP Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, along with numerous literary figures and senior government officials.
The Chenab Times News Desk