J&K LOK BHAVAN MARKS UTTARAKHAND FOUNDATION DAY; LG SINHA HAILS STATE’S SPIRITUAL LEGACY, MARTIAL VALOUR AND DEVELOPMENT
Jammu, November 9: Jammu and Kashmir Lok Bhavan on Monday celebrated the 26th Foundation Day of Uttarakhand, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extending warm greetings to the people of the Himalayan state and lauding its rich spiritual heritage, cultural diversity, martial traditions and developmental achievements.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said Uttarakhand’s cultural, spiritual and civilisational legacy continues to inspire the nation. He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalling his visionary leadership and commitment to fulfilling the long-standing aspirations of the people of the hill region through the creation of Uttarakhand.
Describing Uttarakhand as Devbhoomi, Sinha said the state occupies a distinctive place in India's spiritual and civilisational landscape, with the Himalayas, the sacred Ganga and its centuries-old traditions of faith and devotion forming an integral part of the country's cultural identity.
Referring to the revered pilgrimage centres of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, he observed that these sacred destinations represent the continuity of India's spiritual traditions and civilisational values.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the Ganga is not merely a river but a symbol of India's cultural heritage, spiritual consciousness and life-sustaining traditions. He called upon the younger generation to protect its purity and uninterrupted flow, describing the responsibility as both an environmental obligation and a moral duty.
Highlighting Uttarakhand's inclusive spiritual traditions, Sinha referred to Hemkund Sahib, Gurudwara Meetha Reetha Sahib and the Mindrolling Monastery as enduring symbols of religious harmony, coexistence and mutual respect. He said the state's fairs, festivals and folk traditions reflect the vibrancy of its cultural diversity.
Quoting the ancient Vedic expression, “Ekam Sad Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” (Truth is one, but the wise describe it in different ways), the Lieutenant Governor said India's strength lies in the harmonious coexistence of diverse faiths and traditions.
He also highlighted Uttarakhand's significant contributions to literature, painting, music and national service. Referring to the historic Garhwal school of painting, which developed in the seventeenth century, and the popularity of the state's folk music, he stressed the need to preserve and promote these artistic traditions among younger generations through creativity and innovation.
Describing Uttarakhand as both Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi, Sinha paid tribute to the armed forces personnel, veterans and families of brave soldiers from the state for their distinguished service and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.
The Lieutenant Governor also commended Uttarakhand's developmental progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in connectivity, education, healthcare, digital infrastructure and the expansion of local economic opportunities.
He highlighted the growing contribution of homestays, organic farming, handicrafts, tourism and start-ups to the state's economic transformation, noting that these initiatives are strengthening local livelihoods and creating new avenues of development.
Concluding his address, Sinha said Uttarakhand's cultural consciousness extends far beyond its geographical boundaries and strengthens the emotional unity of the country.
Drawing a parallel with the Ganga and Yamuna, which originate in Uttarakhand and nourish vast regions of India, he said the state's spiritual and cultural traditions continue to bind the nation together in a shared thread of unity and national consciousness. ANB
