Jammu, March 31 Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday urged the youth to return to their roots, cultivate new ideas, and leverage cultural heritage to drive meaningful social change.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Jammu Kashmir Cultural Festival’ here, Sinha emphasised that the culture and spiritual treasures of the Union Territory will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for all.
He said the festival, organised by Shri Kailakh Jyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust, aims to preserve rich heritage, reaffirm commitment to folk arts, spiritual foundations, traditions, and strengthen our identity.
“I am confident that traditional performances will enliven the atmosphere with color and melody, cultural displays will carry our priceless legacy to all, and farmer awareness programs will honor the hands that nourish JK’s soul,” he said.
The Lt Governor observed that India's duty is to empower the knowledge economy and to propagate innovations, cultural values, and philosophical ideas globally.
“In this defining moment as global strife fractures societies and humanity quests for peace, India stands tall to illuminate a new path for the world. We are heirs to a civilization that lit lamps of knowledge, culture, and spirituality across continents millennia ago,” he said.
He said the world awaits fresh ideas, and youth inherit the tradition, birthing transformative thought.
“The youth should return to their roots, cultivate new ideas and innovation, and use cultural heritage as a potent tool to transform society. In this interconnected era, strengthen brotherhood’s bond and champion compassion over conflict worldwide,” he said.
Sinha said that art and culture wield profound insight, purpose, and craft, which is essential for nation-building. For India, art, spirituality, philosophy, and ethics are bridges linking generations.
“This is modern history’s toughest phase, and we are fortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country, establishing new benchmarks in progress and welfare,” he said.
The Lt Governor highlighted that India’s transformation over the past 12 years has been extraordinary.
He emphasised that the society must accelerate this transformation collectively. “In coming decades, we must harness new energy and resolve to build technologies and systems reshaping domestic and global industries.”
On international platforms, he said India has reclaimed ancient glory and confidence.
“Indian engineers, scientists, industrialists, and innovators now steer global discourse; their technologies and talents earn worldwide acclaim. I see this as a renaissance, reviving India’s glorious history,” he said.