#JAMMU: Sachin Kumar Vaishy assumed the charge as Deputy Commissioner Jammu from the incumbent Avny Lavasa here yesterday.

The outgoing Deputy Commissioner was accorded a warm farewell at a function attended by officers and staff of the DC office and Revenue Department including Additional District Development Commissioner, Ramesh Chander; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh; Additional Commissioner General and Assistant Commissioner Revenue.

Speaking on the occasion, Avny Lavasa talked about the challenges, and lessons learnt during her tenure as the DC Jammu. She remarked that Jammu serves as the foundation for pivotal activities at the Union Territory level, contributing a major portion to its revenue generation. “Alongside this, the district also receives its share of grievances, which requires coordination and teamwork for effective administration” she added.

Avny Lavasa expressed her deep appreciation for the dedicated officers and staff of the district, emphasising their relentless efforts in handling a substantial workload. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to her personal staff, which also includes drivers and security personnel, for their unwavering support throughout her tenure.

Avny Lavasa warmly welcomed her successor, Sachin Vaishy and conveyed her optimism for his leadership.

In response, Sachin Vaishya, the incoming DC, expressed his commitment to build upon the foundations laid by his predecessor. “We will work together, following in the footsteps of the former administrator to address the challenges and harness the strengths of Jammu for its collective betterment,” he stated.

The event concluded with expressions of goodwill from the district staff, including Patwaris and Girdwars, who extended their thanks to Avny Lavasa and wished her the best of luck for her future endeavours.

#PUNE: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today interacted with the Youth of Jammu Kashmir studying in Pune at an event organized by ‘Sarhad’ Civil Society group.

In his address, the Lt Governor shared the transformational journey of J&K over the past few years and highlighted the role of the young generation in the social and economic progress of the UT.

Jammu Kashmir is transforming and is on the move. Our Youth living and studying across the world are brand ambassadors of new J&K. Today our youth are realizing their true potential and contributing to nation-building, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor underlined the importance of developing scientific temper, critical thinking, creativity and nurturing the unique personality among the youth for their all-round development.

He appreciated the efforts of ‘Sarhad’ for working in collaboration with the District Administration Bandipora to transform Aragam village into a book village, and for their other initiatives like Valley of Knowledge, Health Village and Literary floating festival on Wular Lake.

He said, the ‘Pune for Kashmir’, a socio-cultural-educational exchange programme by Sarhad is bringing the people of the two regions closer and reflects the true spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The Lt Governor invited the youth from Pune to visit Jammu Kashmir and experience the transformation of the UT.

At the event, the Lt Governor released a book titled “Lalla” on Yogini Lalleshwari authored by Ms Aruna Dhere. He congratulated the author for the excellent work and wished her success in future endeavours.

Vinod Tawde, National General Secretary, BJP; Sanjay Nahar, Founder Sarhad; prominent citizens from all walks of life, students and members of Sarhad and youth from J&K in large number were present on the occasion.

#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.