Srinagar, Aug 12 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged people to carry forward the spirit of patriotism, unity and national service, saying the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has evolved into a mass movement of national consciousness.
Addressing a Tiranga Mahotsav at the Botanical Garden here, Sinha called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that the Union Territory retains its top position in the next phase of the Vande Mataram campaign.
He said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, launched in 2022, was aimed at reviving the respect, emotional connect and sense of belonging towards the national flag.
“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,” he said.
Referring to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Sinha said the song represented the immortal voice of the nation’s soul and played a significant role in awakening national consciousness, courage, self-confidence and self-respect during the freedom struggle.
He congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the 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.
Sinha urged people to work harder to maintain the UT’s number one position in the next phase of the campaign, saying the achievement should not be viewed merely in terms of numbers but as an expression of an “unbreakable national consciousness”.
He said the participation of districts such as Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Jammu and Srinagar reflected the growing spirit of national unity.
The lieutenant governor said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and Vande Mataram campaigns should inspire citizens to contribute towards building the India envisioned by freedom fighters and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
“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.
Describing the campaigns as more than just national initiatives, Sinha said they symbolised a new era and a new Jammu and Kashmir that was confident, development-oriented and firmly moving towards the future.
He urged people to take a pledge that the Tiranga should remain high not only on the rooftops but also in their thoughts, character and actions.
Sinha also called for imbibing the spirit of Vande Mataram in every action, decision and responsibility and urged citizens to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs by working towards a prosperous, safe and just nation offering equal opportunities to all.
He called for collective efforts to build an economically strong Jammu and Kashmir that takes pride in Indian culture, traditions and spiritual values.(NVI)
