SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said social and religious harmony remains the foundation for building a strong and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territory’s centuries-old tradition of coexistence offers a model for the rest of the world.
Addressing an Interfaith Dialogue for Harmony organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation in Baramulla, Sinha also lauded the organisation for its contribution to the administration’s drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign, saying its volunteers had played a significant role in protecting the future of the region’s youth.
“Through the Drug-Free J&K campaign, we have strengthened trust within our families and institutions, reinforced the confidence of youth in their future, and sent a message across the country that when society stands united, it can overcome even the biggest challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting Kashmir’s pluralistic heritage, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has for generations remained a land of harmony where people of different faiths lived with mutual respect and spiritual peace.
He said the teachings of saints, Sufis and Rishis continue to inspire unity and compassion, adding that spiritual figures such as Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam transcended religious boundaries and promoted the values of humanity and service.
“The Rishi-Sufi tradition does not proclaim the superiority of one faith over another. It teaches that all religions draw strength from the same existence. This shared heritage belongs to every citizen of this sacred land, and safeguarding it is our collective moral responsibility,” he said.
Calling harmony a prerequisite for development, the Lieutenant Governor said peaceful coexistence creates the social strength necessary for economic growth and long-term prosperity.
“We must strengthen the spirit of equal respect for all religions so that every citizen gets equal opportunities to progress. Mutual goodwill will help eliminate poverty and unite society against challenges such as drug addiction,” he said.
From Baramulla, Sinha said, a message should go out that India remains a place where people of different communities, sects and faiths can live together in peace, trust and mutual respect.
Addressing the youth, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to believe in their abilities and shape a brighter future for the Union Territory.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had endured decades of terrorism and drug abuse that affected generations of young people, but asserted that the situation had changed significantly.
“Today that era has ended. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have taken charge of their future, and the Union Territory is moving towards a new phase of education, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual awareness and national unity,” he said.
During his visit to Baramulla, the Lieutenant Governor also met several public delegations and assured them that the issues raised by them would receive appropriate attention from the administration.
The programme was attended by senior civil and police officials, including General Officer Commanding Dagger Division Major General Manoj Joshi, Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh, Chairman of Save Youth Save Future Foundation Wajahat Farooq Bhat, members of civil society and a large gathering of youth.
