Srinagar, September 22, 2026- The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, today presided over the launch of a book titled “Sardar Patel and Kashmir: The Untold History.” The occasion served as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to nation-building and to the historical trajectory of Jammu Kashmir.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his gratitude to Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan Ji and commended the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan for its longstanding contributions to spiritual upliftment, education, and humanitarian service. He further congratulated Dr. Rizwan Kadri for his editorial stewardship in bringing the publication to fruition.
Sardar Patel Described as the Architect of Modern India
The Lieutenant Governor characterised Sardar Patel as the architect of modern India, attributing to him the indomitable will, practical wisdom, and organisational acumen that facilitated the integration of 562 princely states into a unified nation. He observed that Patel’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” continues to underpin the nation’s democratic ethos and its accommodation of diversity.
Recalling Sardar Patel’s resolute position on the territorial integrity of Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor remarked that had Patel been entrusted with responsibility for the region at the time, many of the challenges endured over subsequent decades may have been averted.
An Appeal for Impartial Historical Scholarship
The Lieutenant Governor characterised the publication as a substantive endeavour to reassess history with honesty and impartiality. He observed that prevailing historical narratives had, for an extended period, been shaped by ideological considerations that did not adequately reflect the contributions of leaders such as Sardar Patel. He exhorted the emerging generation of historians and writers to regard history as an instrument of truth rather than of glorification, and to draw upon past experience in charting the course ahead.
Article 370 and the Fulfilment of an Unfinished Endeavour
A significant portion of the address was devoted to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, which the Lieutenant Governor described as the fulfilment of an objective Sardar Patel had left unrealised. He characterised the constitutional change, undertaken under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, as extending beyond a legal reform to constitute a substantive step towards the psychological and emotional integration of Jammu Kashmir, thereby ensuring equitable rights and opportunities across all communities.
He stated that the 2019 decision had engendered new prospects in education, employment, and entrepreneurship for the region’s youth, and asserted that it reflected the same resolve that had characterised Sardar Patel’s nation-building efforts in 1947. In his assessment, the consignment of Article 370 to history places Jammu Kashmir at the threshold of a new era.
Four Priorities Articulated for the Region’s Future
The Lieutenant Governor outlined four priorities for the future of Jammu Kashmir: the maintenance of peace through zero tolerance towards terrorism; the acceleration of development through infrastructure and connectivity; the empowerment of youth through integration with India’s digital economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem; and the revival of cultural heritage in furtherance of tourism and human values. He envisioned Srinagar, Jammu, and other cities of the Union Territory as thriving centres of education, commerce, and innovation.
The Publication Described as a “Lighthouse”
In concluding remarks, the Lieutenant Governor described the book as a “lighthouse” illuminating Sardar Patel’s vision of a united and self-assured India. He called upon citizens to commit themselves to the ideals of unity, integrity, and patriotism, and to contribute towards an India that exercises leadership not merely in economic terms but also through moral authority, cultural richness, and democratic values.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The ceremony was attended by Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj; Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairperson, National Commission for Scheduled Castes; Dr. Rizwan Kadri; Swami Bhagwat Priya Das Ji; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; along with senior officials, distinguished literary figures, and office bearers of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan.
