Jammu, Oct 26: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, emphasised the significance of Accession Day as a celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s eternal bond with India, while highlighting the leadership, patriotism, and foresight of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, whose historic decision in 1947 ensured the region’s integration with the nation.

Addressing the ‘Adhivilan Utsav – 2025’ organized by the Samadhaan Foundation in Jammu, the Lt Governor described Maharaja Hari Singh Ji as a visionary, reformer, and moderniser whose contributions laid the foundation for a progressive Jammu and Kashmir. “His decision to sign the Instrument of Accession was not merely a political act but a pledge to uphold India’s civilisational and cultural ethos,” he said. He also highlighted the Maharaja’s reforms in education, justice, social welfare, women’s empowerment, and abolition of child marriage.

Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Lt Governor remarked that India is more than a geographical entity—it is a living motherland. “The accession of Jammu and Kashmir completed the nation’s spiritual and civilisational unity,” he said.

Turning to Ladakh, Gupta acknowledged the historical neglect the region faced, noting that decades of discrimination and developmental deprivation had left its people struggling for representation and recognition. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for addressing these issues through the abrogation of Article 370 and the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory. “This historic step corrected a long-standing injustice and paved the way for progress and prosperity in Ladakh,” he said.

The Lt Governor highlighted ongoing development projects worth thousands of crores in infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, and education, noting that the completion of the world-class Zojila Tunnel will significantly improve connectivity and boost economic growth. He reiterated the UT administration’s commitment to a vision of ‘Akhand Bharat’, stressing unity, inclusivity, and equitable development across all regions.

Gupta also commended the Samadhaan Foundation for organizing the event, emphasizing that such initiatives reconnect the younger generation with the region’s Dogra legacy. He called on citizens to uphold Maharaja Hari Singh Ji’s legacy by making Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh symbols of peace, development, and harmony.

The programme featured cultural performances by artists of the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, celebrating Dogra heritage. Also present were Pawan Sharma, Chairperson of Samadhaan Foundation, MLA Yudhvir Sethi, Dr. Meenakshi Kilam, Bhai Sh. Kusum Hindu Ji, and other civil society members.