Jammu, Mar 30 (NVI): Manoj Sinha on Monday said “Vande Mataram is our identity, strength and vow” as he urged people across sections to unite with a shared vision of making India the world’s greatest nation.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the special phase marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at Abhinav Theatre here, the Lieutenant Governor said the song is not merely a set of verses but a profound civilisational experience that revives memories of martyrs and renews commitment to the nation.
“We must unite to realise one dream. When every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir dedicates themselves to building a developed India, that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” he said.
The week-long special phase, held from March 23 to 30, commemorated Shaheedi Diwas and honoured freedom fighters whose sacrifices led to India’s independence.
Sinha said the enthusiastic participation of people in earlier phases of the Vande Mataram @150 programme reflected a “transformative power” in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territory has embraced ideals of patriotism and development in recent years.
Highlighting achievements under Narendra Modi, he said Jammu and Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream and is setting new benchmarks in development while showcasing patriotism through initiatives like Har Ghar Tiranga.
Referring to global challenges in the past decade, including conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, Sinha said India has remained resilient and continues to be the world’s fastest-growing major economy under the Prime Minister’s leadership.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that true patriotism is the foundation of peace and progress, calling it a sense of responsibility and collective contribution towards a better future.
Describing Vande Mataram as a symbol of the aspirations and resolve of generations, he said the special phase provided an opportunity for reflection at the intersection of history and aspiration, while strengthening commitment to nation-building.
He also called upon political parties, civil society and citizens to join the fight against drug abuse and transform the Nasha Mukt campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Sinha paid tributes to freedom fighters and visited an exhibition showcasing their contributions. The event featured patriotic performances by artists of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and students from Cluster University of Jammu.
Several public representatives, senior officials, academicians and prominent citizens attended.(NVI)
