‘PM ensured every citizen lives with dignity’
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, June 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bold leadership, crediting him for ending decades of discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Article 370.
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Addressing a commemoration event on Sant Kabir Das at Bishnah near here, Sinha referred to the monumental changes ushered in post-August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated, and J&K’s special status was revoked.
“The historic decision not only integrated Jammu and Kashmir fully into the Indian Union but also put an end to systemic discrimination that had long plagued the region,” he said.
“There was a lot of discrimination within the society in Jammu and Kashmir. A citizen was not even treated as a citizen. But on August 5, 2019, Modi exhibited unprecedented political will and ended that discrimination forever,” Sinha stated.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the Prime Minister’s move ensured that all sections of the population in Jammu and Kashmir are now entitled to equal rights and opportunities, paving the way for inclusive development. “No power in the world can undo this change,” he asserted, emphasizing that the era of preferential treatment, dynastic politics, and selective governance is now firmly behind.
“Prime Minister Modi unified India-not just geographically, but emotionally, constitutionally, and socially. He ensured that every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir lives with dignity, respect, and equal access to opportunities,” the LG said.
Sinha paid homage to Sant Kabir and highlighted his profound societal impact.
“Kabir was an enlightened spiritual master, who had stressed on the idea of the co-existence of faiths – Sarva Dharma Sambhava- and dedicated his life to spread the message of unity, brotherhood and social harmony.
“Kabir is epitome of humanity. Kabir is a unique mystic of saints’ tradition. Kabir embodies purity of heart. Kabir showers unparalleled bliss and total experience of awareness. Kabir is the fragrance of our eternal values. Kabir is the confluence in which all the ideologies and path of worship meet and merge,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He called upon the people to follow the teachings of Sant Kabir and show equal respect for all sections of society and all faiths.
He observed that Sant Kabir’s profound message and divine verses, reflecting on various social issues and challenges, are as relevant today as ever.
“India has been home for centuries to seekers from different religions and this spirit of brotherhood, social and religious diversities have become our strength.
“We must learn from the wisdom of Sant Kabir to preserve and nurture our ancient values, Sanskar of our ancient living civilization and our priceless knowledge system. We must reach out to every citizen in J&K and inculcate and reinforce these values in new generation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Sinha shared the efforts of the J&K Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for providing equal opportunities and dignified life to all citizens.
Responding to the demands, the Lieutenant Governor assured appropriate measures to declare Sant Kabir Das Ji Jayanti as Gazetted holiday. He reiterated that it is the Government of India’s commitment to ensure reservation in promotion.
He further assured necessary intervention in meeting the demand for establishing a community hall for Sant Kabir Samaj.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the significant role of Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) in bringing a new Agriculture revolution in J&K, and transforming the lives of 13 lakh farming families, with dedicated focus on marginal and small farmers.
The past 11 years, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, have marked a period of unprecedented change and growth for Indian agriculture, driven by a holistic vision to make farming more profitable, sustainable, and globally competitive, he further added.
Dr. Rajeev Bhagat, MLA Bishnah; Prof Gharu Ram Bhagat, MLA Suchetgarh; prominent citizens, community leaders, members of various organisations, and people from all walks of life were present on the occasion.