Jammu, March 31, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha marked the auspicious occasion of Navreh, the Kashmiri New Year, by engaging with the Kashmiri Pandit community and extending warm greetings to them. On the same day, he also conveyed his best wishes to the people of Rajasthan on the state’s Foundation Day, lauding its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The dual celebrations underscored Sinha’s emphasis on unity, diversity, and cultural pride.
In his address during an event organised by the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, he said, “On the auspicious occasion of Navreh, I interacted with our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters and conveyed my heartiest greetings. May the year ahead bring happiness, joy, and fulfillment to all and illuminate their journey with lights of hope for a better future.” The Lieutenant Governor used the occasion to connect with the community, reinforcing the administration’s support for their aspirations.
He also highlighted the significance of Navratri, urging the younger generation to celebrate the nine-day festival as Nari Shakti Utsav, a tribute to women’s strength and empowerment. “I exhorted the young generation to take a pledge to honor the essence of Navratri by celebrating it as a festival of Nari Shakti,” he stated, emphasizing the need to promote gender equality and cultural values.
Reiterating the Central Government’s resolve, he reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the “dignified return” of Kashmiri Pandits to the Kashmir Valley. “The Central Government remains steadfast in its efforts to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland with dignity and security,” he assured, addressing a long-standing demand of the displaced community. This statement aligns with ongoing initiatives to rehabilitate and reintegrate the Pandit community, displaced decades ago due to militancy in the region.
Simultaneously, Sinha extended greetings to the people of Rajasthan on its Foundation Day, describing the state as a “land of warriors” and a “vibrant center of India’s rich culture and glorious heritage.” He praised Rajasthan’s diverse cultural richness, noting, “The cultural richness of Rajasthan is as diverse as its geographical features.” The acknowledgment reflects the Lieutenant Governor’s appreciation for India’s pluralistic heritage and the contributions of its states to the national fabric.
The events in Jammu, coupled with Sinha’s messages, highlight the administration’s focus on fostering inclusivity and cultural harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. His interaction with the Kashmiri Pandit community and emphasis on their return signal a proactive approach to resolving historical grievances, while his greetings to Rajasthan underscore the importance of celebrating India’s unity in diversity.
As Navreh ushers in a new beginning for the Kashmiri community and Rajasthan commemorates its foundation, Sinha’s leadership continues to bridge communities and promote a vision of progress, peace, and empowerment in the Union Territory and beyond.