On October 31, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, delivered a significant address during the J&K UT Foundation Day celebrations in Srinagar. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their relentless efforts in building a secure and prosperous Union Territory. In his remarks, he reaffirmed the reality of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory and expressed optimism about future statehood, noting, “When it becomes a state, we will definitely celebrate statehood day.” He highlighted assurances from the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister regarding the timely restoration of statehood. The LG also shared an overview of the transformative journey undertaken in the past five years, attributing much of this progress to the commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated, “Today, J&K stands proudly on the national stage—tall, self-reliant, and full of self-confidence.” He emphasised that a robust foundation for accelerated development has been established across various sectors. Focusing on economic development, he underscored the region’s strong economic fundamentals, emphasising peace, stability, and adherence to democratic values as key factors that make Jammu and Kashmir an attractive investment destination. He reported record levels of investment inflows over the past four years, reflecting growing investor confidence in the region. One standout success story was the turnaround of J&K Bank. The LG reported that the bank, which had faced a loss of Rs. 1,139 crore in 2019-20, achieved a profit of Rs. 1,700 crore in 2023-24, with a further profit of Rs. 991 crore in the current fiscal year. This transformation exemplifies the positive changes occurring within the region’s banking sector. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and united, stressing the importance of identifying and isolating anti-national elements that disrupt peace. He acknowledged the vital role of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, and elected representatives in driving development and expressed hope for upcoming Panchayati Raj elections. “My dream is to see that every family is prosperous,” he declared, outlining his vision for accelerated infrastructure development and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach the most marginalised communities. The event also served as a platform for beneficiaries of various government schemes to share their success stories, showcasing the tangible impact of these initiatives. Cultural performances highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. His address celebrated past achievements while outlining a hopeful and ambitious vision for the future of Jammu and Kashmir as a thriving and unified Union Territory.