Katra, 28 September , 2025 – In a vibrant display of community spirit and collective commitment to service, the Sewa Parv event unfolded today at the sacred foothills of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, organised jointly by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Reasi District Administration. The event was graced by Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, whose presence underscored the administration’s unwavering support for initiatives that blend spiritual reverence with socio-economic progress.This annual initiative, rooted in the ethos of selfless service, underscored the transformative power of community participation in driving inclusive growth, enhancing public health, and promoting ecological sustainability across the region. LG Manoj Sinha, in his address, highlighted the shrine board’s ongoing dedication to holistic development in the Trikuta hills area, especially in the wake of recent challenges like the August landslide tragedy and the yatra’s resumption on September 17. Established under the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act of 1988, the board, under LG Sinha’s chairmanship, has long been a pillar of governance and welfare, managing not only the influx of 8-10 million annual pilgrims but also spearheading initiatives that uplift surrounding communities.The event, attended by local leaders, volunteers, pilgrims, and dignitaries, emphasized how Sewa Parv serves as a catalyst for meaningful impact.
Key speakers, including LG Manoj Sinha, stressed the critical role of public health improvements through awareness campaigns on sanitation, vaccination drives, and wellness programs tailored to yatris and residents alike. “Sewa Parv is more than an event; it’s a pledge to nurture healthier communities,” noted LG Sinha, reaffirming the board’s commitment to seamless service delivery as seen in recent relief efforts for over 1,000 families affected by landslides.Parallel sessions focused on ecological sustainability, including tree-planting drives, waste management workshops, and conservation efforts to preserve the pristine environment of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route – a vital ecological corridor in the Himalayas. LG Sinha directed a review of sewage treatment plants and green plans to ensure long-term environmental resilience.A central theme of the day was the imperative of women empowerment-focused initiatives to foster women-led development.
LG Manoj Sinha highlighted the need for active participation of women in decision-making at all levels of society and in the economy, positioning it as a prime objective for sustainable progress. Programs showcased included skill-building workshops for local women artisans, leadership training for self-help groups, and entrepreneurship schemes that empower women to lead eco-friendly enterprises. “Inclusive growth thrives when women are at the helm, steering our communities toward equity and resilience,” affirmed the Lieutenant Governor, echoing the event’s call for gender parity in governance and economic spheres.The Sewa Parv not only reinforced the shrine board’s commitment to charitable endeavors – such as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspecialty Hospital in Kakryal – but also invited broader community involvement, with LG Sinha calling for continued collaboration between the board and district administration.
As the sun set over the Trikuta hills, participants dispersed with a shared resolve: to weave service into the fabric of daily life, ensuring that initiatives like Sewa Parv pave the way for a healthier, greener, and more empowered Jammu and Kashmir. For more details on upcoming events and yatra facilities, visit the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website.
