Anantnag, Aug 17: “We are the makers of our own destiny. While our past karmas have a role in what we are today, what we become tomorrow will largely be determined by our present karmas,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday.
The LG visited the Shri Ramakrishna Mahasammelan Ashram in Anantnag on the auspicious occasion of Samadhi Pratishtha Divas, Nag Panchami Mahotsav, and the Purnahuti of the Yajna, and laid the foundation stone for initiatives dedicated to heritage and cultural preservation.
Addressing the gathering, the LG said that Indian civilisation has always seen spirituality and nature as inseparable.
Quoting the Isha Upanishad, he reminded the gathering that the Divine pervades all creation. In the context of global climate challenges, he urged the youth to embrace their responsibility towards rivers, forests, animals, and all living beings, ensuring that development remains sustainable and in harmony with nature
Sinha also drew from the Bhagavad Gita and reiterated Lord Krishna’s teaching that when action becomes service and service becomes dedication, even ordinary work becomes sadhana.
He expressed deep reverence for the Ashram, which has preserved the wisdom of sages, and paid homage to Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj, recalling his visionary resolve in 1937 that transformed the Ashram into a vibrant spiritual centre.
“His legacy of service, discipline, and dedication continues to inspire generations. When Swami Ashokanand Ji Maharaj left his mortal body in 1971, he left behind a living tradition of service, discipline, sadhana, and dedication that can still be felt in every activity of this ashram,” the LG said.
Highlighting new initiatives at the Ashram, including the construction of a Yatri Niwas, renovation works, a dining complex, and the expansion of the Yajnashala, the LG expressed confidence that these projects would embody faith transformed into action.
The LG praised the Ashram’s affiliation with the Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, which serves on the principle of “Atmano Mokshartham Jagad Hitaya Cha”—for one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s message of self-confidence, fearlessness, and selfless service, reminding them that true strength lies within.
“Swami Vivekananda said that a human being’s real strength lies within, and no one needs to consider themselves weak. No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, within you lies the capacity for growth, change, and great work. Swami Vivekananda also revealed the secret of true success and true happiness, saying that the person who is truly rich is one who serves without expecting any reward and acts with a selfless spirit,” the LG said.
Reaffirming India’s timeless philosophy of unity in diversity, the LG said that India’s strength lies in respecting diversity while moving forward together, and that the message of Sarva Dharma Samabhava (equal respect for all religions) has been India’s gift to the world.
The event was attended by Padma Shri Brij Lal Bhat, Chairman of the Ashram’s Administrative Committee; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo; SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure; DC Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat; members of the Ashram and Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari; senior officials, prominent citizens, and a large number of devotees.
