The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, attended the Rotary Club of Kashmir’s installation ceremony today. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the new President and team and best wishes to the outgoing President. The Lieutenant Governor said that for over 100 years, Rotary has put humanity first through dedicated, selfless service and today it stands as a global force for human welfare, driving positive change across our country through thousands of active clubs.

“Since 2019, as Jammu Kashmir advances with unified momentum, we have also seen the Rotary Club’s spirit of service in action, notably through their selfless medical initiatives across North, South Kashmir and Jammu Division. I want to tell the incoming President and executive team that they are entrusted with a vital torch, and carrying it forward with tangible impact is a profound duty placed upon their shoulders,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted three specific areas which require Rotary Club's attention.

“I appeal to the Rotary Club of Kashmir not to limit itself to scholarships or book distribution alone, but to create a professional guidance chain, a network that connects young talents living in remote areas with experienced professionals. I want the Rotary Club of Kashmir to provide opportunities in digital education and skill development that prepare young people for a changing world," the Lieutenant Governor said.

He observed that second important area is environment protection and urged the members of Rotary Club of Kashmir to act as guardians of nature.

“We can no longer confine ourselves to tree-planting drives. We must develop an environmental protection model based on scientific methods, long-term planning and the participation of local communities, which will inspire future generations. I want the Rotary Club of Kashmir to involve youth in this campaign and to partner with educational and research institutions. I wish to see the Rotary Club of Kashmir remembered for conserving rivers and lakes and for restoring forests to life,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the third and most important area concerns the campaign for a drug-free Jammu Kashmir. He highlighted the achievements of 100-day drug-free J&K campaign and called upon Rotary Club of Kashmir to become an active and full partner in this public campaign, because this is a fight for the future of coming generations.

“The Rotary Club possesses medical expertise and enjoys public trust. It can launch de-addiction camps, awareness drives in colleges and universities, and livelihood and skill-development programs for youth. I know Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” is a pledge to a better public life, and contributions in these three areas will bring real change. Your work over the past two decades has proved that Rotarians in Kashmir are dedicated to selfless service. Now, as this responsibility passes into new hands, I entrust to you the task of working for a prosperous, peaceful and drug-free Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Rtn. Anil Kumar Singhal, District Governor; Rtn. Dr Touseef Bhatt, President, Rotary Club Kashmir; Rtn. Jagjit Singh, Outgoing President; Rtn. Adil Shah, Secretary; other office bearers of the Rotary Club Kashmir, Rotarians were present.

Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor,  IUST; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Shri Javid Ahmad Tenga, President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and prominent citizens from different walks of life also attended the installation ceremony.