Srinagar, Aug 12 (KNO): Calling the Tiranga a symbol of India’s pride and resilience, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday lauded the armed forces for avenging the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead.
LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) flagged-off the Tiranga Yatra from Dal Lake here this morning and joined the walkathon upto Botanical Garden.
While addressing the gathering LG Sinha said, “I salute the brave security personnel who carried out Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. By avenging the Pahalgam terror attack, they safeguarded the honour of the nation.”
He added, “It is our duty to become the uttaradhikaris (successors) of their resolve and to build Jammu and Kashmir under the Tiranga. We must work together to create an Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) J&K.”
LG Sinha said, “The Tiranga Mahotsav has gained immense popularity over the past five years, becoming a symbol of unity and patriotism across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Highlighting the significance of this year’s celebrations, LG Sinha noted that the year marks the completion of the first 25 years of the 21st century. “Now, 22 years are left for us to celebrate Bharat’s 100 years of freedom,” he observed.
The LG said that since August 2, Tiranga rallies have been held across Jammu and Kashmir, inspiring the younger generation to learn about the sacrifices of great leaders. From August 13, the third phase of the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan will begin, and the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to participate wholeheartedly. “Let us take a pledge to safeguard the legacy of our predecessors and contribute to the progress of our nation,” the LG said.
He said, “Tiranga is my Dharma. Tiranga is my strength. Tiranga is my heartbeat,”
The LG also said that it would be a blessing to be born again to serve the country. “ कर्म हेतु इस धर्म भूमि पर लें फिर फिर हम जन्म सहर्ष- For the sake of duty, may we again and again take birth on this holy land. भारत माता की जय!,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He paid tributes to the forefathers and brave hearts who laid down their lives to keep the tricolour flying high in its full glory.
“Thousands of people proudly joined to honour the National Flag, which symbolizes our unity, pride and shared identity. Today is the day to celebrate the success of our great nation, however, we should also introspect about our duties and build on our successes.
We must also resolve to build the edifice of modern and prosperous J&K on the foundation of sacrifices of our soldiers of Army, CAPFs and Police,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said under the leadership of PM Modi, Jammu Kashmir has entered a new era of inclusive development.
“With renewed self-confidence and faith, the people of J&K are writing their own destiny. The unfulfilled dreams of generations are finally being realized.
With love for the Maa Bharti in their hearts, the people of Jammu Kashmir are marching ahead. This patriotic spirit is our greatest strength, which is paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future of J&K and the nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu Kashmir, Youth, Nari Shakti, Public Representatives, Culture Department, Education Department, J&K Police and Security Forces, Educational institutions, NCC Cadets and all stakeholders for their historic participation and contribution to Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.
“The skies of Jammu and Kashmir are shining with the tricolor. From the banks of the Jhelum to the Chenab and from the peaks of Pir Panjal to Harmukh, the echo of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" can be heard everywhere. A new generation is rising, dedicated to the honour and glory of the tricolor. They have one resolve- to live and die for Maa Bharti,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the “Weaves & Threads Activity” across schools, colleges, streets, and neighbourhoods in Jammu Kashmir, has ignited a new sense of purpose and resolve.
Events like Tiranga Mela, Tiranga Concerts, and Tiranga Bike Rallies organised across the UT in the last few days have also been a powerful medium to share the saga of our freedom fighters and spread the message of peace and national unity, the Lieutenant Governor further said.
The Lieutenant Governor appealed to all the sections of the society, especially the Youth of Jammu Kashmir to participate enthusiastically in the 3rd Phase of Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan starting from 13th August.
“Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan is a campaign of the dreams and aspirations of every youth. It is a symbol of self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir which is now charting a clear and resolute path toward the future. This campaign is a pledge to make Jammu Kashmir the best in every field. The tricolour will fly high on the Government Buildings and all the houses across Jammu Kashmir. This is a campaign to celebrate our ideals and our unity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Kargil War Heroes and released a Monograph in the honour of the Martyrs of Jammu Kashmir.
Tiranga Concert, filled with patriotic ethos, paid a moving tribute to countless heroes and bravehearts and rekindled the spirit of the Indian freedom movement.
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah; Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo; Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana; Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election, Javid Ahmad Dar; Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti; Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, people from all walks of life and residents of Srinagar, senior officials of Security forces, Police and Civil Administration joined the Tiranga Yatra—(KNO)