Time for KPs to reconnect with roots, contribute for J&K: LG

‘You transformed pain into strength’

Fayaz Bukhari

Srinagar, June 13 Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that the time has come for Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp  

Addressing the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave at SKICC here, Sinha said that the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community reflects that after 2019 a new Jammu Kashmir has been born.

“The strength of this new Jammu Kashmir reflects your resolve. Its hope reflects your vision. J&K, which witnessed the massacres, pain, and displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community has been transformed into a centre of reconstruction by PM Narendra Modi,” he said.

The LG said that the history is written by those who rise again after suffering and confronting countless challenges.

“Journey of Kashmiri Pandit community has been scarred by genocide, exile and struggle. World once witnessed their wounds and now the triumph. The community chose a different path. They refused to be defined by wounds and struggle. Instead, they transformed that pain into strength,” he added.

Sinha said that having earned global recognition, the community is now returning to your roots. “This dignified return is also the resolve of the Prime Minister. I salute your courage. I honour your steadfastness. I appreciate your achievements, and I express the commitment that together we will ensure a future brighter than the past and that the pride of the Kashmiri Pandit community will shine again for the welfare of all humanity,” he said.

The LG observed that the contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community towards building a Viksit Bharat would be significant and would play an important role in the nation’s development journey.

“A moment of transformation is here. Those once uprooted from their homeland return and this homecoming is the truest victory. The presence of business leaders, corporate heads, technology entrepreneurs, and cultural icons sends a powerful message of confidence in the peace of Jammu Kashmir, and trust in the administrative stability under PM Modi,” he said.

Sinha said Kashmiri Pandits chose to transform adversity into opportunity and made significant contributions in diverse fields, including education, administration, science, literature, arts and public service.

”The community preserved its identity, traditions and cultural heritage despite decades of displacement. That remains its greatest achievement,” he said.

Sinha said the conclave reflected growing confidence among members of the community and underscored their continuing bond with Kashmir.

He said many people had once believed the displaced community would never recover from the trauma of migration, but its achievements across India and abroad had disproved those assumptions.

The LG said the gathering was not only a celebration of the community’s accomplishments but also an opportunity to discuss economic empowerment, cultural revival and greater participation in the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Calling for stronger engagement with the J&K, Sinha urged members of the community to establish institutions, support talent and contribute their experience towards the region’s progress.

The LG called upon the Kashmiri Pandit Community to set up industries, academic and cultural institutions in Jammu Kashmir that will become the immortal story of their heritage and provide opportunities to generations to come. He emphasised that the Kashmiri Pandit community’s contribution is needed across industry, education, arts and spirituality.

He stressed the need for collective efforts towards justice, dignity and reconciliation, saying society must remain united against the pain caused by displacement.

Sinha said the country’s journey towards development and cultural resurgence would be strengthened by the contribution of all communities, including Kashmiri Pandits.

“I believe the true measure of life lies in what we give back, in the hope we inspire, and in the change we leave behind for our society and nation. That is the essence of a meaningful life and that is the real service. And it is this legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come,” he said.

The LG said that the world remembers the 1990s, when the Kashmiri Pandit community faced unimaginable brutality and endured massacres and, overnight, families were forced to leave everything behind and live in exile in their own country.