Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday attended the launch of “Hum Sab Ek Hain”, an initiative of Sarhad Foundation, Pune. The event was also attended by Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
The occasion marked the launch of Maharashtra and J&K Friendship Chapter and e-learning lab for students in Kupwara to celebrate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People from different fields were felicitated for their selfless service to the society.
Lt Governor paid tributes to martyrs of Police, army and CAPFs, who laid down their lives to protect the sovereignty and integrity of J&K.
“Today, J&K UT is witnessing historic transformations in a wide range of sectors. Frustrated by J&K progress, the biggest sponsor of terrorism, a failed and terrorist state, our neighboring country is carrying out cowardly terror attacks,” he said.
“We have full faith in the bravery and courage of our Army, police and CAPFs. Every drop of blood of our soldiers, innocent civilians will be avenged. Terrorists and their sympathizers will have to pay a very heavy price,” the Lt Governor said.
Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra in his address threw light on the strong bond shared between Jammu Kashmir and Maharashtra.
“India is a living embodiment of Unity in Diversity. I assure every support to the people of the UT of J&K from Maharashtra Government,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor for facilitating the establishment of Maharashtra Bhawan in Jammu Kashmir.
The Lt Governor appreciated the endeavor of Sarhad Foundation to strengthen people-to-people connect between J&K and other parts of the country.
“Unity in Diversity is our strength. It is deeply rooted in the core values of our great civilization. We have age old tradition of peaceful co-existence and India is home to almost all the religions and sects known to mankind and it has enriched our spiritual and cultural diversity over the years,” the Lt Governor said.
“Our ancestors gave the ideals of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'- World is one family. Hon'ble Prime Minister has realized this timeless wisdom by bringing all the powerful nations together and ensuring consensus on all issues concerning the world today,” he said.
From Himalayas to Sahyadri, from Shivalik to Satpura, Jammu Kashmir and Maharashtra are deeply connected with each other. We must dedicate ourselves to establish an egalitarian society and contribute in realizing the vision of Viskit Bharat, he said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted the reforms introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to transform the lives of the people of the country.
He assured the Chief Minister of Maharashtra that the UT government will provide the land for establishing Maharashtra Bhawan in J&K.
A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of bravehearts of police and army killed in Anantnag encounter.
A souvenir and monogram of the Maharashtra-Jammu Kashmir Friendship chapter were also unveiled on the occasion. Cultural performances and songs celebrating the unity in diversity were presented by artists.
Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, KVIB; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sanjay Nahar Founder Sarhad; senior officials of Civil and Police Administration and people in large number were present.