PULWAMA, August 17, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday attended the ‘Mulaqat’ programme in Pulwama, an initiative organised by the Save Youth, Save Future Foundation to promote interfaith dialogue, social harmony and the preservation of India’s shared cultural heritage.
Addressing a gathering of youth, civil society members and people from different communities, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that meaningful dialogue is more than an exchange of words—it is a bridge between hearts, a foundation for mutual trust and a pathway to peace and prosperity.
‘Walk Together, Converse Together’
Quoting the ancient wisdom of the Rig Veda — “Sangachchhadhwam Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam” — LG Sinha said India’s civilisational ethos has always encouraged people to walk and converse together while making space for one another in their hearts.
He underlined that diversity is not a weakness but one of India’s greatest strengths, built and preserved through mutual trust and respect.
“Mutual trust and respect to all faiths and beliefs was an integral part of our way of life,” the Lieutenant Governor said, highlighting India’s long tradition of welcoming different faiths, cultures and traditions.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam & Kashmiriyat
LG Sinha said India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — the world is one family — reflects the country’s inclusive civilisational outlook.
He also highlighted the spirit of Kashmiriyat, saying that true identity is reflected in human conduct and compassion rather than labels of faith or community.
Commending the Save Youth Save Future Foundation, he praised its young volunteers for working against drug abuse and promoting brotherhood, and called for such initiatives to be expanded across a wider scale.
Six-Point Roadmap for Peace and Social Harmony
The Lieutenant Governor outlined a six-point roadmap and called for collective action to strengthen peace, social cohesion and youth participation:
- Institutionalise interfaith dialogue in schools, colleges and community centres to encourage greater understanding among young people.
- Develop Youth Peace Ambassadors and encourage youth to lead cultural exchanges, community service and environmental initiatives.
- Preserve historical and cultural sites as common heritage through participation by citizens and the administration.
- Promote digital literacy and awareness to counter misinformation and protect public trust.
- Ensure social justice and equal opportunities, with impartial access to education, employment, healthcare and justice.
- Constitute Village Peace Committees representing different sections of society to strengthen compassion, humanity and inclusive development.
LG Sinha said the true meaning of Mulaqat is to listen, understand and respect one another, while taking the first step towards dialogue wherever differences have created distance between people.
‘Harmony Is Built by People’
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that governments can make laws and administrations can create systems, but lasting harmony must ultimately be built by society itself.
He urged administrative officers to ensure citizens’ safety, equal opportunities in development and effective implementation of welfare schemes.
“True peace begins when we start understanding one another,” he said, calling upon all sections of society to work together to remove barriers between communities.
He further emphasised the importance of providing young people with education that encourages questioning, technology that supports progress and values that inspire patriotism and nation-building.
Tiranga Yatra Flagged Off in Pulwama
During his visit, LG Sinha also flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from the Sports Stadium, Pulwama.
He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the people of Pulwama in ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and other programmes aimed at promoting national integration.
The programme was attended by Javaid Iqbal Matoo, DIG South Kashmir Range; Dr Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama; Tanushree, SSP Pulwama; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman of Save Youth Save Future Foundation; Anika Nazir, Women’s Wing President; Mudasir Dar, Zonal President (South Kashmir) and other members of the foundation.
Senior government officials, civil society representatives, prominent citizens and a large number of youth also participated in the programme.
A Message of Unity and Shared Responsibility
The Pulwama gathering highlighted a broader message: peace is strengthened when communities meet, listen and understand one another.
Through initiatives such as Mulaqat, the administration and civil society seek to create spaces where people from different faiths and backgrounds can come together, discuss challenges, counter misinformation and strengthen the bonds of humanity that unite society.
