Baramulla, July 19,2026- Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmir’s rich legacy of communal harmony and urged the youth to lead the Union Territory towards a future built on peace, education, innovation and national unity while addressing the Interfaith Dialogue for Harmony organised by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation in Baramulla.
Commending the Foundation for its significant contribution to the Drug-Free Jammu Kashmir Campaign, the Lieutenant Governor said the organisation’s young volunteers had worked selflessly and assumed a great responsibility in shaping a better future for the Union Territory.
“Through this campaign we have strengthened trust within our families and institutions, reinforced youth’s confidence in their future, and sent a message across the country that when a society rises up on its own, it can overcome the biggest challenges,” he said.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of coexistence, the Lieutenant Governor described the region as a land that embodies harmony and brotherhood, where people of different faiths have long lived with mutual respect and spiritual peace.
He said this enduring legacy was shaped by saints, Sufis and Rishis who devoted their lives to spreading the values of love, compassion and unity. Referring to the teachings of Lal Ded and Sheikh-ul-Alam, Shri Sinha said both spiritual icons transcended religious boundaries and inspired generations through their message of compassion, service and universal brotherhood.
“The flourishing Rishi-Sufi tradition in Kashmir does not proclaim the superiority of one faith. Its message is that all religions and beliefs draw their strength from the same existence. This shared heritage belongs to every citizen born on this sacred land, and protecting it is both our moral and spiritual responsibility,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that social and religious harmony is the cornerstone of a strong society, a strong Jammu and Kashmir and a developed India. Peaceful coexistence, he said, transforms society’s collective energy into the greatest force for development, making harmony not only a moral necessity but also the foundation of economic prosperity and a brighter future for coming generations.
He called upon citizens to strengthen the spirit of equal respect for all religions, reinforce mutual goodwill to eliminate poverty, and unite against challenges such as drug addiction.
Sending a message from Baramulla, Shri Sinha said India remains a shining example of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, faiths and cultures.
“From the soil of Baramulla today a message should go out that if there is any land in the world that can teach humanity that different communities, sects and faiths can live together in peace, joy and trust, it is India,” he said.
Addressing the youth directly, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to have confidence in their abilities and shape a brighter future.
“For a long time this land suffered from the scourge of drugs and terrorism, which affected the dreams and aspirations of our youth. Today, I say with full conviction that era has ended. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have taken the reins of their future into their own hands, and the Union Territory is moving towards a new era of education, entrepreneurship, innovation, spiritual awareness and national unity,” he said.
He appealed to young people to work together in building a stronger, more prosperous, peaceful and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit to Baramulla, the Lieutenant Governor also met several public delegations and assured them that the issues and concerns raised would receive appropriate attention.
Among those present on the occasion were Major General Manoj Joshi, GoC Dagger Division; Principal Secretary, Culture Department Brij Mohan Sharma; DIG North Kashmir Range Dr. Vinod Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid; SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh; Chairman of Save Youth Save Future Foundation Wajahat Farooq Bhat, senior officials, civil society members, prominent citizens and a large gathering of youth.
