SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched Sardar Patel and Kashmir: The Untold History, a book edited and published by Dr Rizwan Kadri, highlighting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in the integration of princely states and his position on Jammu Kashmir.
Speaking at the launch, Sinha described Patel as the “architect of modern India” and said his vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” continued to inspire efforts towards peace, development and empowerment.
Sinha said Patel’s leadership was instrumental in integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union and recalled his stated position on Jammu Kashmir.
“Through his indomitable willpower, clear vision, selfless diligence, and skilful organisational strength, he ensured that the dream of an undivided India became a reality,” Sinha said.
He added that had Patel been given responsibility for Jammu Kashmir, “perhaps the problems that the people here endured for more than six decades would not have arisen.”
The Lieutenant Governor described the book as an attempt to revisit historical events and contributions with greater objectivity. He said historical narratives should be based on truth and urged writers to examine past decisions and their consequences without ideological bias.
Sinha also referred to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, describing it as the fulfilment of what he called Patel’s “unfinished dream”.
He said the constitutional changes had opened new opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship and development for the youth of Jammu Kashmir.
“By consigning the era of Article 370 to history, Jammu Kashmir now stands at the threshold of a new future,” he said.
Sinha outlined four priorities for the Union Territory’s future: maintaining peace through a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, accelerating development through infrastructure and connectivity, empowering youth through the digital economy and startup ecosystem, and promoting cultural heritage to strengthen tourism and human values.
He said the youth remained Jammu Kashmir’s “most valuable asset” and stressed the need to channel their energy towards nation-building.
The Lieutenant Governor also said Srinagar, Jammu and other cities of the Union Territory should emerge as centres of education, trade and innovation.
Describing the book as a “lighthouse” illuminating Patel’s vision of a united India, Sinha called for greater commitment to the ideals of unity, integrity and patriotism.
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairperson Kishor Makwana, Dr Rizwan Kadri, Swami Bhagwat Priya Das Ji, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma, senior officials, literary personalities and office-bearers of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan attended the event.
