Jammu, November 2025 — Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called upon poets, writers, and cultural thinkers to take a proactive role in countering radicalisation among the youth in Kashmir, stating that literature has the unique power to “heal, unite, and guide society towards constructive thought.”
Speaking at a Kavi Sammelan organised in Jammu, the LG said that while security strategies remain essential to curbing extremist tendencies, the intellectual and creative community must also contribute by strengthening social harmony, national unity, and cultural resilience.
Sinha emphasised that those who wield the pen hold deep influence over young minds, and their poetry, stories, essays, and regional writings can challenge misinformation, resist separatist ideologies, and inspire a renewed sense of identity and purpose.
He noted that Kashmir’s youth represent a promising generation whose energy must be channelled towards education, innovation, and nation-building, rather than divisive narratives. “The responsibility of shaping social consciousness does not lie with the Government alone,” he said. “Writers and poets must become active partners in safeguarding the future of Kashmir.”
Urging the promotion of regional languages, folk traditions, and indigenous storytelling, the LG highlighted that cultural preservation is a direct defence against ideological exploitation. He said that poems and stories rooted in local heritage can offer pride, belonging, and emotional clarity to young people navigating turbulent times.
Sinha further remarked that India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant, developed nation will require a balanced combination of art and science, creativity and technology, culture and modernity. Literature, he added, can act as both a mirror and a lamp — reflecting social realities while illuminating the path ahead.
The event, attended by prominent poets, scholars, and students, concluded with a collective call to use literature as a bridge of understanding and as a tool for social transformation in Jammu & Kashmir.
