SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for regular interfaith dialogue and greater participation of youth and communities in initiatives aimed at strengthening social harmony, saying dialogue was key to building trust and peace.
Addressing the *Mulaqat* programme organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation in Pulwama, Sinha said people belonging to different faiths and sections of society must come together to discuss issues, understand one another and bridge social divides.
“Diversity is not a weakness but the nation’s greatest strength,” Sinha said, stressing that mutual trust and respect were essential to preserving the country’s shared heritage.
Referring to Kashmiriyat and the civilisational ethos of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam*, the LG said India had historically welcomed different faiths, cultures and traditions, while emphasising that humanity and conduct should remain central to social identity.
Sinha also praised young volunteers working against drug abuse and promoting brotherhood, and urged that such initiatives be expanded across the Union Territory.
As part of a six-point roadmap, he called for institutionalising regular interfaith dialogues in schools, colleges and community centres, besides creating Youth Peace Ambassadors to lead cultural exchange, community service and environmental protection initiatives.
He also stressed the need to preserve historical and cultural sites as common heritage, promote digital literacy and counter misinformation.
“It is the collective responsibility of the public and the administration to ensure that youth receive an education that teaches them to ask questions, access to technology that guides them towards progress, and the character that inspires patriotism and nation-building,” he said.
The LG further called for equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare and justice and proposed Village Peace Committees representing all sections of society.
He said governments could make laws and administrations could provide systems, but “true harmony is built by the people themselves”, while asking officials to ensure citizens’ safety, equal development opportunities and proper implementation of welfare schemes.
Later, Sinha flagged off a Tiranga Yatra from Sports Stadium, Pulwama, and commended residents for their participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga and other national integration programmes.
