Attends foundation day of Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Seva Nyas; Urges people to safeguard contributions of fallen heroes
Says efforts of PM Modi in steering J&K towards peace, development winning widespread appreciation; World acknowledges India’s unity in diversity, recognizes Bharat’s growing global stature
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the foundation of an “Atamnirbhar and adhunik” Jammu and Kashmir has been built on the sacrifices of security forces, J&K Police personnel, farmers, youth and women.
The Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at ancient Shiv Temple, Purmandal and also attended the Devika Maha Aarti.
While addressing a gathering LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The people of J&K must take a collective pledge to ensure that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes do not go in vain. They laid down their lives to secure peace in the region.”
“The efforts put in by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put J&K on the path of peace and development over the past five to six years are being appreciated by one and all. Despite facing challenges, the administration has worked tirelessly to ensure sustained progress,” he said.
LG Sinha asserted that several landmark laws implemented in recent years have safeguarded the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Today, the entire country recognizes J&K’s strength, and the Union Territory will play a significant role in building a Viksit Bharat,” he added.
Highlighting the transformation underway in the Union Territory, the LG said that in the past few years hundreds of religious places have been restored as part of heritage protection and cultural revival. “We have always treated everyone equally. The world acknowledges India’s unity in diversity and recognizes Bharat’s growing global stature. Under the leadership of PM Modi, we are committed to taking J&K to new heights,” he said.
Emphasizing environmental responsibility, LG Sinha said it is the duty of every citizen to safeguard the environment for future generations.
He urged the youth to embrace hard work, noting that nothing meaningful can be achieved without dedication and perseverance. “Together, we can make J&K a shining example for the world,” he said.
The LG also announced that Purmandal Degree College will be handed over to the Higher Education Department next month. “From 2021 onwards, Purmandal has witnessed a new era of development. Efforts are underway to develop Purmandal as a premier religious tourism destination in the region,” he said.
“Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Kshetra is a confluence of faith, cultural unity, and diversity in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a sacred pilgrimage for self-purification and self-realization, showering blessings and fostering love, respect, and brotherhood. Purmandal embodies the soul of our eternal culture. The sacred Umapati Mahadev Temple, nestled on the banks of Gupt Ganga Devika, is one of the most important spiritual pilgrimage sites in J&K,” he said.
“For centuries, Purmandal has served as a beacon for social harmony, community service, and environmental protection, providing renewed purpose and direction to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Responding to the demands projected by Purmandal-Utterbenhi Teerth Seva Trust, the Lieutenant Governor assured that the administration and stakeholder departments will work with a whole-of-government approach to preserve the religious and cultural heritage of Purmandal- Utterbehni.
LG Sinha said that in the past year, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has constructed five temples as part of its expansion and service enhancement. He said that helicopter services between the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and Shiv Khori will begin soon to provide greater convenience to pilgrims.
“The Shrine Board is ready to extend all possible support to anyone who wishes to run a Ved Pathshala or any other religious teaching institute,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the District Administration Samba to identify government land for a new Ved Vidyalaya. He said the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) will fund its establishment, following its support for several ved vidyalayas, sanskrit pathshalas and gaushalas.
The Lieutenant Governor assured financial assistance from SMVDSB for establishment of Gurukul, Sanskrit Pathshala, or Ved Pathshala in the region.
He also said the issue of connecting Purmandal with a 4-lane road will be taken up with the Government of India.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that, under the leadership of PM Modi, the remarkable transformation of Jammu Kashmir is both tangible and intangible, focusing on physical infrastructure as well as revival of cultural and spiritual heritage. “Numerous ancient religious and historical sites have been reconstructed. Nearly 62 such important sites have been restored in past 4 years. Restoring and reviving our rich spiritual heritage, and spiritual tourism in the UT has remained our prime objective,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Seva Nyas, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other organisations for their significant contribution for preserving and promoting J&K’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
He also urged the social organisations and all sections of society to join the efforts in protecting the natural heritage.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament; Keshav Dutt Sharma, DDC Chairperson Samba; Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Member of Legislative Assembly from Ramgarh; Suresh Gupta, President, Purmandal-Utterbehni Teerth Seva Nayas; Rajesh Gupta, President Vishwa Hindu Parishad (J&K and Ladakh), heads of various religious organisations, prominent citizens and devotees in large number were present on the occasion.
Anil Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shiv Kumar Sharma DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Samba, and senior officials of civil and police administration were also present—(KNO)
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