Srinagar, Jul 12: “India’s greatest strength is its rich spiritual, scientific and cultural identity, passed down through centuries like a torch. I appealed to the youth not to let that flame die. Now is the time to use our rich heritage to inspire millions of new minds. Now is the time to innovate and give the youth of Jammu Kashmir a clear purpose for building a self-reliant UT,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.
The Lieutenant Governor attended the Lal Ded Literature Awards and the release function of Dr Vaidehi Taman’s new book “Lal Ded: The Mother of Kashmir.” He urged the awardees to share the timeless wisdom of Lal Ded, Kabir, Nund Rishi, Guru Nanak, and Tulsidas with the younger generation.
Speaking on the occasion, the LG said our ancestors built India by balancing science with deep spiritual values, emphasising that progress requires both the scientist and the spiritualist.
Sinha said that nation-building is a shared duty for every citizen. “Youth are the builders of our future. Do not settle for ordinary achievements. Dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. Our nation’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work, and collective effort,” he said, adding that India values both outward progress and inward spiritual growth, and traveling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari shows that core traditions are still alive.
“I want writers, thinkers, and artists to preserve and share this spiritual tradition. I am not suggesting we live in the past, but rather that we respect the truth, goodness, and grace of our heritage. We can stay open to the world while remaining deeply rooted—just like a tree with strong roots that survives the wind and grows,” the LG said.
The Lieutenant Governor invited society to do two important things: first, find a piece of heritage lost in the busyness of life—whether it is a language, a song, a recipe, a story, or a tradition—reclaim it, and inspire the next generation to do the same; second, remember that our greatest strength is our cultural identity, passed down for centuries like a burning torch. “I appeal to the youth: do not let that flame die. Now is the time to use our heritage to kindle millions of new flames,” he said.
He commended the work of writers, educators, and artists, saying that those honoured today have enriched our nation through their extraordinary work. “In this rapidly changing world, we need writers and educators more than ever. Literature makes us compassionate, and education gives us knowledge. Together, they create responsible citizens who can lead the nation forward,” he said.
On the occasion, LG Sinha made five requests to intellectuals, writers, teachers, scientists, and creators: encourage the youth to think independently and pursue truth; document and share rich culture; bring ideas out of books and use them to solve real-world problems; share experience to inspire the next generation to serve the nation; and combine different areas of expertise to tackle complex challenges like climate change.
Responding to the request for a museum dedicated to great personalities like Lal Ded, the Lieutenant Governor assured that appropriate steps would be taken in this regard.
The event was attended by former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Tirath Singh Rawat, former Member of Parliament and President of Asiatic Society of Mumbai Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, eminent writer Prof. Neerja Mattoo, author Dr Vaidehi Taman, Padma Shri Dr SP Varma, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, other senior officials, and prominent literary personalities.
