Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday launched the 'Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir', a coffee table book by Photojournalist Ashish Sharma, at New Delhi.

In his address, Sinha commended the photojournalist Ashish Sharma for factually presenting the continuous changes taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and development in various sectors since abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

“Under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi J&K has regained its identity of 'Paradise' post 2019 and Ashish Sharma’s watchful photographic journey captures that transformation. In the history of J&K, 5 August and 6 June will always be remembered. While abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019 paved the way for J&K's complete integration, 6 June physically connected Kashmir to Kanyakumari and its citizens’ aspirations with national mainstream,” he said.

This coffee table book, he said, is an attempt to present before the nation the transformation that has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir in the last five years.

Sinha highlighted the efforts made by the J&K Administration, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, to build a Jammu and Kashmir, which is free from all kinds of discrimination, fear and insecurity.

“My message from day one was very clear – we do not believe in buying peace but want to establish peace. I had given another vision to the security agencies – do not harass the innocent, do not spare the guilty. The administration has been successful to a large extent in realising the vision of 4 Ps – Peace, Progress, Prosperity and People First. Our infrastructure has transformed at an unprecedented pace and the economy is showing impressive growth,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the administration, while transforming urban landscape and developing our cities, has paid special attention to facilities, sustainability and quality living for the common citizens.

“Nightlife for any city is not just a clock but a symbol of the liveliness and the cities of Kashmir valley have regained their vibrancy now. Jammu and Kashmir's relationship with lakes and rivers has been revived after decades. Our industry, Startups and Agriculture sectors witnessed rapid growth over 5 successive years. Youth are fulfilling their dreams through entrepreneurship and around one million availed the opportunity of self-employment within 4 years and it has been ensured that no section of society is left behind,” he further said.

Sinha lauded significant efforts behind the coffee table book, which remarkably showcases J&K's extraordinary journey and unprecedented growth across all sectors.

Books are documents of time, especially coffee table books present progress through captivating photographs. We can see J&K is on the move through Ashish's Camera, he said.

Sinha also cautioned people against the fear mongers who are making misleading statements, without any substance, and threatening the peace.

“People should do their politics but not at the cost of unity and integrity of our great nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, former Union Minister of State; Ram Bahadur Rai, President IGNCA; Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur, Director & Head, Kala Nidhi, IGNCA and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.