Anantnag, Aug 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual heritage and strengthening service, unity and compassion.
He was speaking at the Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram at Nagdandi, Achabal, where he laid the foundation stone for heritage initiatives.
“Preservation of heritage is not merely about protecting physical structures and historical sites, but also about safeguarding the values, traditions and cultural consciousness passed down through generations,” Sinha said.
“J&K’s diverse cultural traditions reflect its long-standing ethos of peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The projects include a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex and expansion of the Yajnashala. Sinha visited the Ashram on the occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav and Purnahuti of the Yajna.
“May the timeless values of service, unity and Sanatana traditions continue to guide our path towards harmony and compassion,” Sinha said.
Paying homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, Sinha recalled his efforts in 1937 to develop the Ashram as a spiritual centre.
“His legacy of service, discipline and dedication continues to inspire generations,” he said.
Sinha recalled that Ashokanand died in 1971, leaving behind a tradition of service, discipline, sadhana and dedication.
“We are the makers of our own destiny,” Sinha said. “While our past karmas have a role in what we are today, what we become tomorrow will largely be determined by our present karmas.”
He urged youth to embrace “selfless service, courage, compassion, discipline and unity” and called for equal respect for all religions under Sarva Dharma Samabhava.
Referring to the Isha Upanishad, Sinha said the Divine pervades all creation and urged youth to protect “rivers, forests, animals and all living beings.”
“Spirituality in Indian culture is fundamentally connected with responsibility towards society and the world through selfless service,” he said.
Referring to the Bhagavad Gita, Sinha said, “When action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work can become sadhana.”
Sinha highlighted the Ashram’s association with Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, and its guiding principle, “AtmanoMoksharthamJagadHitaya Cha”—for one’s own liberation and the welfare of the world.
He urged youth to follow Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-confidence, fearlessness and selfless service.
“True strength lies within every individual,” Sinha said.
“Our saints, in different languages, different traditions and through different methods of sadhana, gave humanity the same fundamental message: work to bring human beings closer to human beings,” he said.
Sinha said new opportunities had been created in J&K and across the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He urged people to respond with “courage, hard work and self-confidence.”
“We have to fulfil our responsibilities towards society, and complete our duties towards family and nation,” he said.
He called for collective efforts by communities, institutions and civil society organisations to preserve J&K’s cultural identity and strengthen social harmony.
Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo, SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Shivanand Rohit Raina, Ashram members, officials, prominent citizens and devotees attended.
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