LG Sinha Calls for Truth, Responsible Technology and Inclusive Development on Gandhi Jayanti
Srinagar, October 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, justice and dignity continue to hold relevance in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, and called upon the youth to use modern technology responsibly while remaining guided by human values.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at a Gandhi Jayanti celebration organised by the School Education Department in collaboration with the Department of Culture. He extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and congratulated students who participated in the cultural programmes and district-level symposium on truth and non-violence.
Sinha appreciated the Kashmiri rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s bhajan by Gulzar Ahmed, a Hindi performance by students of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts and a skit presented by students of Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh.
Reflecting on Gandhi’s life and philosophy, the Lieutenant Governor said the Mahatma gave India a new way of thinking, standing against injustice and living with dignity. He said Gandhi’s legacy of truth and non-violence remains relevant in the present era.
“Revered Bapu has left behind many priceless legacies for us. He gave us a new method, new principles, a new approach to life and a new system that remains alive in the hands of every generation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor cautioned against misinformation and urged young people to verify facts and engage in dialogue before reacting to information. He said the principle of “Satyameva Jayate” — truth alone triumphs — should continue to guide democratic life.
He observed that Gandhi understood the relationship between truth and power and described truth as a discipline involving introspection, verification of information and listening before responding.
Sinha also stressed that technology should remain under human control and be used as an instrument for progress rather than becoming a substitute for human conscience.
“Technology is only an instrument and the decision must remain ours. For however powerful the instrument may be, its direction is ultimately determined by the hand that wields it,” he said.
Highlighting India’s diversity, the Lieutenant Governor said the country’s strength lies in its ability to move forward together despite differences in language, faith, customs and traditions. He called for strengthening unity through justice, respect and compassion.
He also recalled Gandhi’s concern for the weakest sections of society and said progress should be measured not merely by economic or infrastructural growth but also by inclusion, dignity and access to opportunities.
Referring to the vision of a developed India by 2047, Sinha said Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance remains significant. He noted that village enterprises, artisans, farmers and local producers have an important role in strengthening the country’s economic foundation.
He also underlined the importance of trusteeship, public participation and character-building among children, describing national character as the country’s most enduring infrastructure.
The Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to reflect on their individual contribution to nation-building and said a true tribute to Gandhi would be to promote truth over rumours, dialogue over impulsive reactions and unity over division.
Calling upon the youth to exercise discipline and responsibility in the use of technology, Sinha said India’s development should combine modernity with compassion, prosperity with justice, strength with sensitivity and progress with unity.
He said that by 2047, the success of the country should be assessed not only through infrastructure and economic achievements but also by the extent to which opportunities reach deprived and disadvantaged sections of society.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, School and Higher Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Masood Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Padma Bhushan Rajeev Sethi, Padma Shri Dr S.P. Varma, President, Gandhi Global Family, J&K, Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, senior officials, prominent citizens, heads of educational institutions, teachers and a large number of students attended the programme. ANB
