Srinagar, August 12: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to uphold the spirit of patriotism, unity, national service and devotion to the motherland, saying that the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has evolved into a mass movement of national consciousness.
Addressing the Tiranga Mahotsav at the Botanical Garden in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Sinha urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to continue leading the country in the next phase of the Vande Mataram campaign and work collectively to retain the Union Territory’s top position.
He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, launched in 2022, was aimed at strengthening people’s emotional connection with the National Flag and reviving the sense of pride, respect and belonging associated with the Tricolour.
“When the Tiranga waves across millions of homes, it is not just the flag that waves, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians that are united by the same feeling, faith and resolve,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the significance of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, describing the national song as an immortal voice of the nation’s soul that played an important role in awakening national consciousness, courage, self-confidence and self-respect during the freedom struggle.
He congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, for their enthusiastic participation in the Vande Mataram campaign, saying their efforts had become a source of inspiration for the entire country.
“I am proud that the youth and citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, along with all those associated with the Vande Mataram campaign, have helped make Jammu and Kashmir the best in the country,” he said, while urging citizens to ensure that the Union Territory continues to remain number one in the next phase.
Sinha said the achievement should not be viewed merely in terms of numbers, but as a reflection of an “unbreakable national consciousness” running across Jammu and Kashmir.
“These achievements have sent a message to the world that Jammu and Kashmir is a land of courage, determination and devotion towards the motherland of India,” he said.
Referring to the participation of districts including Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Jammu and Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said their collective involvement in the campaign reflected the growing spirit of patriotism and national unity.
Sinha said Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram should inspire citizens to contribute towards building the India envisioned by freedom fighters and soldiers who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.
“If our ancestors protected the nation with their blood, sweat and tears, it is our responsibility to protect it with our character, honesty, dedication, unity and service,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor described the campaigns as more than just national initiatives, calling them an “announcement of a new era” and a reflection of a new Jammu and Kashmir that is confident, development-oriented and firmly moving towards the future.
He urged the people to take a pledge that the Tiranga should remain high not only on the rooftops of Jammu and Kashmir but also in their thoughts, character and actions.
Sinha further called upon citizens to imbibe the spirit of Vande Mataram in their actions, decisions and responsibilities, saying that the best tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs would be to build a prosperous, safe, just and inclusive nation where every citizen enjoys equal opportunities.
He also called for collective efforts to build a strong and economically prosperous Jammu and Kashmir that takes pride in India’s rich culture, traditions and spiritual values.(KNC)
