#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the students of the joining batch of 2023 of #IITJammu at the inaugural session of the Foundation Program at Jagti Campus, today.

In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated and extended his best wishes to the students embarking on a new journey. The world-class faculty here at IIT Jammu will nurture your talents to transform your dreams into reality, he added.

“India’s future offers immense opportunities for engineering careers. As the nation continues to invest in research and development, infrastructure and technological advancement, a plethora of opportunities await engineers,” the Lt Governor said.

He said, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, India is on the move and is emerging as a technology and services hub powered by knowledge economy.

The ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives coupled with a burgeoning startup ecosystem, presents a fertile ground for young minds to make their mark and carve a successful career in engineering, he added.

He advised the students to explore new paths and keep re-inventing themselves to keep pace with the change happening around the world.

“We need engineers who will not be confined to the mundane, but who will think beyond textbooks and question the status quo and embrace challenges as opportunities. The expertise of the young engineers’ expertise will be instrumental in driving the mission of Make in India and Start Up India,” the Lt Governor said.

Citing examples of Japan and USA, the Lt Governor said the Engineering prowess of these countries has contributed to their growth and elevated their status in the world. He said, the world’s greatest powers are witness to the fact that great engineers have been instrumental in propelling those nations to unparalleled heights.

“India needs engineers who can address the challenges of urbanization, infrastructure and access to quality healthcare and education for all. Young engineers’ ideas and solutions can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society,” the Lt Governor said.

“India needs engineers who can collaborate globally, foster partnership with other countries and institutions to address complex global challenges. I strongly believe young engineers have the potential to not only make India self-reliant but also position it as a global leader,” he said.

The Lt Governor impressed on the educational institutions to create an environment, an education system that reflects today’s reality.

#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the Kailakh Sanskrit Ratna Puraskar ceremony, at Jammu.

At the ceremony organised by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust, the Lt Governor presented this year’s Kailakh Sanskrit Ratna Puraskar to Param Pujya Mahamandleshwar Acharya Shri Swami Vishveshwar Anand Giri Ji Maharaj.

He expressed gratitude to the Mahamandleshwar Acharya Shri Swami Vishveshwar Anand Giri Ji Maharaj for his immense contributions towards promotion of Sanskrit and spiritual institutions.

Swami ji has a great vision for the development of the country. Youth must take inspiration from his life and teachings and dedicate themselves to preserve our tradition, culture and social values, the Lt Governor said.

It should be our collective responsibility to create a better society and contribute in enriching cultural heritage, he added.

In his address, the Lt Governor commended the endeavours of Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust and other organizations engaged in promotion of Sanskrit language.

“I have always emphasized on promoting Sanskrit as people’s language. As one of the oldest living languages of the world, Sanskrit offers a treasure of knowledge in science, medicine, literature and also language of existence. We must strengthen our efforts to popularize it,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor also shared the resolve of the Central Government and the UT Administration for protecting and preserving India’s glorious heritage.

“Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for removing all traces of colonial mindset and to take pride in our roots to achieve the goal of developed India. We should feel proud of our heritage. It gave us golden period in the past and it will again make India the most powerful nation in the world,” the Lt Governor said.

He assured every possible assistance by the administration to organizations and individuals in their efforts to promote the ancient cultural values in the society.

Param Pujya Mahamandleshwar Acharya Shri Swami Vishveshwar Anand Giri Ji Maharaj, in his address, lauded the dedicated efforts of the Lt Governor for popularizing the Sanskrit language and giving special attention to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul.

Sham Lal Sharma, former Minister appreciated the UT administration for taking various initiatives for promotion of Sanskrit and developing places of religious importance in the UT.

Kapil Khanna, President Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Delhi also shared his views on the occasion and highlighted the need to promote Sanskrit language.

Students from Chudamani Sanskrit Sansthan, Basohli presented the cultural programme in Sanskrit and staged a drama on Shankaracharya.

Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ms Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Shakti Pathak, DIG; Mahant Rohit Shastri, President Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust; spiritual leaders; heads of religious organizations, prominent citizens and students were present on the occasion.

NEW DELHI: Underscoring the crucial need of promoting and preserving Dev Vani Sanskrit to enlighten the generations about their glorious heritage and ethos, Senior BJP leader Mr Devender Singh Rana today urged Lieutenant Governor Mr Manoj Sinha  to take with the Union Ministry of Human Resources Development the popular demand of establishing a Sanskrit University in the Utterbaini area of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Establishment of a Sanskrit University in this part of the country will be in consonance with India’s rich heritage, which will also encourage scholars to carry out research and disseminate most valued ancient literature and scriptures to wider audiences “, Mr Rana said while supporting the memorandum formulated by Mahant Rohit Shastri, President of Shri Kailakh Jyotish Vedic Sanasthan Trust for consideration of the government the issue pertaining to establishing Open Sanskrit University in Jammu.

Mahant Rohit Shastri, President Shri Kailash Jyotish Vedic Sanathan Trust  met Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana and State BJP General Secretary Vibodh Gupta at New Delhi and said that due to the lack of Sanskrit institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, Sanskrit students are not getting enough opportunities and facilities, especially the students of hilly and remote areas. He stressed the need for establishing Sanskrit Department in every institution in which subjects like Kashmir Shaivism, Shakta Paddhati, Siddhant Jyotish, Sanskrit grammar, Sanskrit literature like Mammat, Kalhan, Vilan etc. are included in the form of specialization.

With this, it will be very beneficial for Jammu and Kashmir, which is considered to be the homeland of Vedic culture and ancient Sanskrit. Along with this, the Sanskrit Ministry should be established in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines of Rajasthan state. He said Sanskrit language should have been made compulsory in the schools of Jammu and Kashmir from the first primary. Establishment of Jammu Kashmir Sanskrit Academy and Jammu Kashmir Sanskrit Sansthan on the lines of Uttar Pradesh. Higher education in Vedic literature is the need of the hour, he added

The memorandum of the Sanastha states that Sanskrit Scholars should get scholarship and reservation quota in jobs etc. He said Jammu and Kashmir has been the eternal center of Shaivism, as on this holy land the founder of Pratyabhijyadarshan, Acharya Abhinavagupta, Mahakavi Kalhan, Mahakavi Villhan, and many ancient Sanskrit sages have emerged. The Acharyas who had guided the path of uniting not only India but the whole world in the thread of unity with their karmic tenacity, the same virtuous J&K Vasundhara is getting extinct from Sanskrit, it adds.

#SRINAGAR: Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary today inaugurated two day conference on ‘Gojri language in the contemporary world’.

The two day conference is being organised by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL, and brought together galaxy of scholars and experts deliberating the future of Gojri language and culture.

In his address, Dr. Shahid called for collective efforts to off-set challenges confronting the Gojri language and culture. He lauded the initiatives taken for holistic development of regional languages and culture.

In the post-inaugural session, noted writer and broadcaster, Gulab Din Tahir presented a paper on Gojri language. In his paper, GD Tahir said that Gojri language has centuries old past with a rich treasure of literature and poetry adding that it is one of the rich languages in Northern India.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Secretary JKAACL, Bharat Singh said that the objective of the conference is to take a holistic view of Gojri language in the backdrop of the challenges it is confronting and the opportunities that lay in its way. “It is very important to make our languages relevant to the modern times to ensure their survival and promotion”, he added.

As part of the 2-day event, music programmes and paper reading sessions were also held. The proceedings of the conference were conducted by Editor and Head, Gojri Wing, Dr. Shahnawaz.

The conference was attended by Salam ud Din Bajad, MK Waqar, Abdul Hamid Kasana, Ghulam Haider Badana, Javed Nizami, Mansha Khaki besides Abdul Gani Arif.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 3-day long Amrit Yuva Kalotsav, organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, today.

The festival of music, dance and drama commemorates the 75 years of India’s Independence.

In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor commended the endeavour of Sangeet Natak Akademi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages for providing a platform to young artists from across the country to showcase their talents.

He said, the young artists from different states and UTs are getting an opportunity to fill crores of souls with their performances.

“Music, dance, theater are not merely art forms but these are the keys that open all the locks of vast existence and tremendous possibilities of life,” the Lt Governor said.

“Artists are real treasure and pride of the country, and the wealth they possess cannot be equated with any material wealth. In different art forms, one can have a glimpse of existence and realise the mystic path of life,” he observed.

He acknowledged the immense contribution of the Artists in weaving many sects, customs, religion, culture, language, social system in the garland of unity and spreading its fragrance in every corner of the world.

“The biggest feature of our culture is its continuity. Many cultures, civilizations of world have either disappeared or with time they were weakened. However, despite all the challenges and attacks, the Indian culture is not only flourishing but its roots have become stronger,” he said.

At the inaugural event, the Lt Governor shared the constant efforts being made to pass on the rich cultural legacy of India to the younger generation.

“Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amrit Yuva Kalotsav reflects society’s aspirations and motivates young generation to move forward in the journey of Amrit Kaal with a new vigour, new dreams, determination and commitment to nation building,” the Lt Governor said.

The biggest strength of our culture is unity in diversity. In order to strengthen this diversity, to bring states, cultures, languages, artists, youth closer to each other, Hon’ble Prime Minister had started the mission of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, he added.

“I am really proud that different states of the country have come closer, geographical distances have disappeared and people are taking interest in each other’s food habits, culture, language and lifestyle. The culture of different parts of the nation together makes stronger, vibrant and incredible India,” the Lt Governor said.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said, “there has to be a fine balance between science and music, only then the consciousness of the society will bloom, only then the nation will be able to progress”.

The mind and consciousness of the society both are born out of the art. Consciousness is deeply embedded in poetry, music and different forms of art. No matter how developed a society is, no matter to what extent artificial intelligence is influencing our lives, it will be incomplete without art, the Lt Governor observed.

He said, the sensibility of the artists is absolutely pure, as pure as the mind of a small child.

When such artists rise up and start connecting hearts through programme like Amrit Yuva Kalotsav, then their generosity, their tolerance, their spirit of philanthropy, austerity, sacrifice and spiritual practice contributes in the rapid progress of the nation and no force of the world can stop the prosperity of such society, he added.

The Lt Governor also highlighted the endeavours of the UT Administration for the revival of old Crafts of Jammu Kashmir like Namda and the initiatives taken for the training of the artisans.

Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson, Sangeet Natak Akademi shared the efforts of the Akademi to promote the art and culture of Jammu Kashmir. She informed that the Sangeet Natak Akademi will organise workshop on Bhand-Pather across the country.

Sujit Singh, DIG; Bharat Singh Manhas, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages; Raju Das, Secretary, Sangeet Natak Akademi; renowned artists, prominent citizens and youth were present on the occasion.

#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the valedictory function of Multimedia Exhibition, organized by Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Sri Pratap Higher Secondary School Srinagar, today.

In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor shared India’s unprecedented growth journey and appreciated the endeavour of the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) for organizing 5-day long exhibition highlighting Nine years of ‘Seva, Sushasan and Garib Kalyan’.

“In the past 9 years under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the country has transformed into an economic powerhouse and a model of inclusive development for the world,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the 9 years have been dedicated to inclusive, progressive and sustainable development to create equity and opportunity for all the citizens. Country is witnessing fastest development of infrastructure, empowerment of marginalized and emergence of a self-reliant and aspirational society, he said.

“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, India has emerged as a key driver of global growth and the countries from both North and South are looking at us with admiration and hope. India has not only regained the past glory but it is also offering new hope, new aspiration to the world,” the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor said the empowerment of all sections of the society and new revolutions in every sector reflects golden period of country’s growth and prosperity of the people.

At the function, the Lt Governor highlighted the rapid transformation taking place in the UT of Jammu Kashmir, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister.

“Jammu Kashmir stands proudly on development parameters tall and full of self-confidence. Benefits of development are reaching to all sections of society and they are fully participating in the progress of the nation,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor said: “The strength of youth, women & farmers and aspiration of the society are taking J&K to new heights. Together,we have to create viksit Jammu Kashmir in Amrit Kaal and it should be our collective responsibility to ensure every city & village aims higher and realizes their aspirations”.

“Women and Youth are the architects of J&K’s strong and glorious future. The recent reforms and initiatives have brought new momentum to schemes aimed at their empowerment and abundant opportunities for entrepreneurship for a new socio-economic revolution,” the Lt Governor added.

Addressing the youth, the Lt Governor said the revolutionary National Education Policy, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister has the potential to change the future of the country.

He also shared the progress achieved in various sectors and the saturation of centrally sponsored and UT sector schemes.

Due to the strenuous efforts of Hon’ble Prime Minister, we will be able to achieve success in providing tap water to every household under ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ by the end of this financial year, he added.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also visited the stalls installed by various departments highlighting the numerous initiatives and welfare programs of the government.

Rajinder Choudhry, Additional Director General PIB, Chandigarh; senior officers of Civil Administration, Police and Central Bureau of Communication, teachers, students and youth in large numbers were present.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu inaugurates mega Religious cum Cultural event

#REASI: An initiative of the Shri  Shivkhori Shrine Board Ransoo and Directorate of Tourism Jammu, the First Ever ‘Shivkhori Shravan Mahotsav’ was today inaugurated here in  Shiv Shakti Bhawan Ransoo Town amid religious fervor and gaiety.

 The grand event spread over 02 holy months of Shravan/Saavan will be celebrated on all Saavan Mondays which are considered as auspicious according to the Hindu calendar.

The event was formally inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, who is also the Chairman of Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, in presence of Vice Chairperson Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, Babila Rakwal (Deputy Commissioner Reasi); SSP Reasi, Amit Gupta; SSP, Sandeep Mehta; Jyoti Slathia, Additional DC Reasi; Vinod Behnal, ADC Sunderbani; Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism Jammu and other government functionaries, besides PRI members and district officers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner said that the Shivkhori Shrine has recorded an immense increase in the footfall of devotees visiting this holy shrine. The Shrine Board is committed to provide all amenities to the Yatris at Ransoo town and also all along the track and Bhawan, he added.

He hoped that the organization of grand cultural events in the coming two months shall act as a great attraction for devotees by providing them  opportunities to participate in devotional activities  like Katha on Shiv Purana, Bhajan presentations, Dramas on life and teaching of Lord Shiva among other religious activities.

In her address, Vice Chairperson Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, Babila Rakwal said that the two month activities shall be a combination of variety of devotional programmes including Screening of Special Movies and Documentaries on the life of Lord Shiva, Grand Bhajan Competition along with Art/Painting Competition for young enthusiasts, Special Yagna, Pooja and Hawan at Shivkhori Bhawan along with Grand Closing Ceremony and Bhajan Renditions by popular artists.

The Joint Director Tourism, while addressing the gathering, said that the Directorate of Tourism Jammu is committed in its endeavour to promote Jammu region as an all season destination for tourists including pilgrimage tourism. She reiterated that special efforts are being made to diversify tourism experience of travelers coming to Jammu region by way of added tourism products like Skyview Gondola at Patnitop, musical fountain along with Open Air Cinema at Aquaplex Crown Bagh-e-Bahu, Weekend Retreat Ceremony at Suchetgarh Border Octroi Post, besides organization of festivals and events all across the Jammu region like Sinthan Snow Festival, Patnitop New Year Bonanza, Askini Bhaderkashi Festival, Revival of Old Traditional Heritage Vaishno Devi Yatra Route, Heritage Walk at Purmandal-Utterbehni, Water Sports activities at Ranjit Sagar Dam Basohli on World Environment Day, Basao Baisakhi Mahotsav at Mubarak Mandi Complex, Sanasar Tulip Festival, Seven Lake Trekking in Rajouri-Poonch area, Navratra Festival in Katra, Jammu, Kathua, Kishtwar.

The event started with mesmerizing Bhajan rendition by Vijaypuria Brothers Ravi and Raju, Ashok Hans, Julekha, Paramjeet and Chaman Lehri. The inaugural ceremony was anchored by Kusum Tickoo.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ‘Shivkhori Shravan Mahotsav 2023’ is a collaborative effort of Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board, District Administration Reasi, Directorate of Tourism Jammu and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

 Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were DDC member Pouni, Kewal Krishan; DDC member Panthal, Rajinder Mengi; BDC Chairman Pouni, Pawan Sharma; Pradeep Kumar, Executive Officer SSKSB;  Arif Lone, Assistant Director Tourism;  Rajinder Digra, District Information Officer Reasi, Naresh Kumar, Tehsildar Pouni; Aarti, BDO Pouni among other senior functionaries of District Administration Reasi and Shri Shivkhori Shrine Board Ransoo along with PRI members of Pura Kotla, Sangar and Alya.

#SRINAGAR: A delegation led by Rajinder Sharma, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, today.

The delegation comprising of Baldev Singh Billawaria, Deputy Mayor JMC, Chairmen of JMC Committees and Councillors apprised the Lt Governor on various issues of public importance pertaining to extension of benefits under pension and other welfare schemes.

The Lt Governor assured the delegation of due consideration of the issues projected by them during the interaction.

#ANANTNAG: Secretary Revenue and Nodal officer, Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2023 (SANJY 23) for Pahalgam Axis, Dr Piyush Singla,  today said that robust sanitation facilities are in place to ensure that SANJY 23 is  an eco-friendly Pilgrimage.

The Secretary made these remarks on the culmination of his three day foot tour to Holy Cave. He said that the unprecedented resource influx towards sanitation by the Government has reaped rewards and littering and open defecation on the track are all talk of  past.

Dr. Singla, who meticulously assessed the sanitation facilities along the track and in various camps en route, noted that toilet facilities have been strategically placed at regular intervals. He added that an ample number of dedicated personnel have been deployed to ensure proper maintenance.

The Secretary commended the efforts of  sanitation workers, whose hard work has resulted in litter free and open defecation free  track.

During his foot tour, Dr. Singla interacted with pilgrims who gave numerous positive remarks regarding the high standards of sanitation maintained throughout the Yatra. The pilgrims expressed their satisfaction with the efforts made to preserve the fragile ecology of Pahalgam, which is recognized as an eco-sensitive zone.

The camp directors at various camps, including Chandanwari, Sheeshnag, Wavbal, and Panchtarni, provided detailed briefings to the Nodal Officer regarding the availability of manpower at their respective camps. They assured the Nodal Officer that a well-structured schedule has been implemented to ensure cleanliness and create a pleasant pilgrimage experience for the Yatris. They also briefed the Secretary about the  waste disposal plan put in place for smooth conduct of Yatra.

#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the ‘J&K Health Conclave’ on Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases at Srinagar, today.

On the occasion, J&K Health and Medical Education Department inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre and NIMHANS.

The Lt Governor also launched India’s first Tele-MANAS Chat-bot for J&K UT. The initiative will ensure round the clock services of Health Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists and Consultants.

In his address at the conclave, the Lt Governor commended the efforts of Health Department to bring together medical experts on a common platform to deliberate on most challenging health issues and to generate awareness on mental health and life threatening non-communicable diseases.

“Our ultimate objective is patient-centered care and all the efforts are being made to ensure that Primary Health Centers and District Hospitals provide quality care focusing on the physical as well as emotional well-being of individual patients,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the new landmark initiatives launched today are testimony to the commitment of J&K Administration in providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to all.

The MoU inked between J&K Health and Medical Education Department and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre will provide significant technical support to improve cancer care services in the UT and help us to establish Preventive Oncology Service, Day Care Centres and Palliative Care Service at District Hospitals, he said.

Another important MoU signed today with NIMHANS Bengaluru will improve mental health services, training and capacity building of Medical Officers and nursing staff, he added.

The Lt Governor shared the strides made in developing the holistic healthcare ecosystem in the UT over the past few years.

Per capita spending on the health sector in J&K is among the highest in the country. During upgradation or building new infrastructure, we have focused on three factors- effectiveness, accessibility and resilient system, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor called upon the medical fraternity and all stakeholders to deliberate upon the structural changes required in the healthcare sector. We need to have progressive rules and laws for modern healthcare, he added.

He further advised the Health Department on community involvement for awareness campaign on the National Mental Health Program and to ensure the benefits of the programme reach the needy.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor inaugurated 44 healthcare facilities worth Rs. 56.18 Cr to strengthen the medical infrastructure.

He also rolled out and launched several new initiatives to strengthen health system resilience including T3- Test, Treat and Talk Anemia Camps, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Programme, and Scan and Share service for OPD registration. On the occasion, the Lt Governor also distributed the Volunteer Engagement certificates to ASHAs.

In order to improve community extension of health services, National Health Mission, Jammu and Kashmir is recruiting 380 Additional ASHAs and 31 ASHA Facilitators as approved by Government of India.

Furthermore, there are also 334 numbers of tribal ASHAs sanctioned for various districts of J&K meant to cater the health care needs of the tribal population in an attempt to improve the health indicators of the migratory population.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary Health and Medical Education; Dr Roderico. H.Ofrin, WHO representative to India; Dr Pratima Murthy, Director NIMHANS; Dr RA Badwe, Director Tata Memorial Centre; Dr Ashish Gulia, Director Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre; Prof. Parvaiz Ahmad Koul, Director SKIMS; Prof. Masood Tanvir, Principal GMC Srinagar; HoDs, medical experts and members from medical fraternity were present.