Srinagar, July 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to dream big, work hard and strive for excellence, describing them as the builders of the nation’s future while emphasizing the importance of preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage alongside scientific progress.
The Lieutenant Governor made these remarks while attending the Lal Ded Literary Awards function and launching renowned author Dr. Vaidehi Taman’s book, “Lal Ded: The Mother of Kashmir,” in Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha said India’s greatest strength lies in its timeless spiritual, scientific and cultural traditions, which have guided generations and must continue to inspire young minds. He urged the youth to remain rooted in these values while embracing innovation and contributing towards building a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our ancestors built India by balancing science with deep spiritual values, emphasising that progress requires both the scientist and the spiritualist,” he said, adding that the country’s development depends not only on technological advancement but also on strong moral foundations.
Calling upon the younger generation to aim beyond ordinary achievements, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. Nation-building is a shared responsibility, and our country’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work and collective effort.”
LG Sinha said India’s civilisational strength lies in harmonising material progress with inner spiritual growth. Referring to the country’s cultural unity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, he said the nation’s shared traditions continue to unite people and provide direction for future generations.
He also appealed to writers, artists, scholars and intellectuals to preserve India’s rich cultural legacy by documenting and promoting languages, literature, folk traditions, songs, stories, customs and cuisine that define the country’s identity.
The Lieutenant Governor said respecting cultural heritage does not mean remaining confined to the past but staying firmly rooted while embracing modern opportunities and global progress.
Praising the contributions of the awardees, he said literature nurtures compassion while education imparts knowledge, and together they shape responsible citizens capable of leading the nation towards a brighter future.
Highlighting the aspirations of today’s youth, LG Sinha observed that they stand at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. While technology has opened new opportunities, he said writers, teachers and intellectuals have a vital responsibility to instill values, confidence and cultural awareness alongside modern education.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor made five key appeals to intellectuals, teachers, scientists, writers and creators. He urged them to promote independent thinking among youth, preserve India’s cultural heritage, apply knowledge to address real-world challenges, mentor the next generation for national service and adopt interdisciplinary approaches to tackle issues such as climate change.
Reiterating that nation-building is a collective responsibility, LG Sinha said infrastructure alone cannot create a strong nation unless supported by responsible and committed citizens.
Responding to a demand raised during the programme for establishing a museum dedicated to Lal Ded and other eminent personalities, the Lieutenant Governor assured that the proposal would receive due consideration.
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, former Member of Parliament and President of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, eminent writer Prof. Neerja Mattoo, author Dr. Vaidehi Taman, Padma Shri Dr. S.P. Varma, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, besides several literary personalities and senior civil and police officers, were present on the occasion.(KNC)
