Pays tributes to Brig Rajinder says, “We must work towards sustainable & inclusive development”
Samba: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha led the “Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” celebrations in J&K by visiting Bagoona, Samba, the birthplace of first recipient of Maha Vir Chakra Brigadier Rajinder Singh, where he inaugurated the curtain raiser event of the mega celebrations.
The Lt Governor paid tributes to Brigadier Rajinder Singh and flagged off a bike & cycle rally and tableau to mark the occasion.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed a series of events filled with patriotic ethos giving glimpses of the 75 weeks long commemorative celebrations of the 75th Independence Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha called upon the people to actively and enthusiastically participate in “Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” and renew their resolve to build a new India together.
“A New India – as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for in his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15, 2017 should emerge on the 75th anniversary of Independence in 2022 from the joint strength of all”, he said.
The Lt Governor observed that the mega celebrations should hold the spirit of freedom movement, express gratitude to the deceased, and reflect the glory of Sanatan Bharat and Modern India, while displaying the spirituality of mystics and contribution of our scientists.
Terming March 12 as a major milestone in India’s freedom struggle, he observed that the day is of great significance as it captures Mahatma Gandhi’s another non-violent feat to achieve freedom through Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram in 1930.
“Today my desire is fulfilled. I visited the holy birthplace of Brigadier Rajinder Singh, who is an epitome of unmatched valour and sacrifice. From his birth place, I extend my greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the launch of Azaadi Ka Amrut Mohatsav”, said the Lt Governor.
He saluted the courage displayed by him and his soldiers while safeguarding the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have read the stories of Brigadier Rajinder Singh many times and have lived through the tales of his soldiers’ gallantry at Uri in October 1947,” he said.
The Lt Governor asked J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and Information Department to collect details of the unsung heroes so that their valour could be highlighted during the grand festival.
Apart from this, inspiring stories of great personalities and women of J&K who led by example and contributed in different fields of society, need to be shared, he said.
The Lt Governor said that the contribution of every class and section of the society must reach to the people through public participation programs under five pillars of this national festival that are Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievement at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolve at 75, envisioned by Prime Minister .
Speaking on the present development scenario of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lt Governor observed that the last 2 years have seen an increased pace of development. “Roads are being constructed at three times the earlier speed; efforts are being made to complete the power and water projects pending for years, so that people of the UT get all the basic facilities”.
“Few vested interests hampered the development reaching the doorsteps of the people for decades. The temporary system that had been in place for years, the laws that pushed the people back, was not removed even after decades. Since 05 August 2019, hundreds of such policies have been changed and laws abolished. Now, the poor, the underprivileged, our farmers and the younger generation are being empowered,” maintained the Lt Governor.
Highlighting the people centric measures taken by the Government, he observed that the population living in 973 villages will be connected with paved road for the first time after independence, now the child of a sweeper can become a doctor, and remote villages would see 20-22 hours of electricity in the next three-four years.
The Lt Governor termed the development work being done in a transparent way in every panchayat as a true tribute to Brigadier Rajinder Singh and his soldiers.
The Lt Governor called upon all stakeholders to take a pledge to collectively work on Industry 4.0.
In the next 75 weeks, we have to focus on policy, funding models, focus areas, key drivers, barriers and strategy implementation, so that when the nation celebrates 75th Independence Day next year, we should be fully ready for a radical change in both the economic and social sectors, observed the Lt Governor.
“I would urge the people of J&K, to take an active part in the celebrations in the next 75 weeks along with hoisting the tricolor in their houses, government offices, schools and colleges,” he said.
He also invited suggestions from all to make the “Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav” grand and successful.
Earlier, the Lt Governor inspected the Photo Exhibition on India @ 75- celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence and displaying the life story of Brigadier Rajinder Singh.
School students and Artists from J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages presenting cultural performances on patriotic themes marked the beginning of the mega celebrations.
