Jammu, January 30, 2026 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today paid heartfelt tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi, describing Bapu as a “living guide for today’s world” whose ideals remain timeless and universally relevant.
Speaking at a solemn commemorative event organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, truth and self-reliance continues to provide direction in addressing contemporary global challenges and bridging societal divides.
“Pujya Bapu showed through his life and work that meaningful change requires not merely strength, but character, moral courage and dedicated effort,” the Lieutenant Governor said, while also paying homage to all martyrs on Martyrs’ Day.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s unwavering commitment to peace, LG Manoj Sinha underscored the enduring relevance of Gandhian values in guiding humanity through rapidly changing times. He said that amid global turbulence, Gandhiji’s message of compassion, dialogue and understanding offers strength and clarity to society.
Elaborating on Bapu’s vision, the Lieutenant Governor said safeguarding fundamental rights, human dignity, equality, justice, and the welfare of marginalised sections, along with women and youth empowerment, forms the foundation of a resilient, inclusive and peaceful society.
Calling upon the younger generation, LG Sinha urged them to view non-violence as supreme courage, not weakness. “Through sacrifice and Satyagraha, Gandhiji demonstrated that non-violence is actionable wisdom and humanity’s greatest moral strength,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that in times of global despair, hope and harmony will emerge from Gandhian principles. He noted that the celebrations of Gandhi Jayanti in J&K over the past six years have had a transformative impact, reflected in massive public participation in initiatives like Tiranga Yatra, Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram.
He also called upon citizens to take a collective pledge for an “Ujjawal Jammu Kashmir” and an “Ujjawal Bharat.”
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor honoured the next of kin of martyrs, family members of Late Dr Raj Kumar Thapa, and civilians who lost their lives due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. School students were awarded the Shanti Doot Puraskar for promoting Gandhian values, while officials from the Civil Administration, J&K Police and Security Forces received the Rashtriya Sewa Puraskar.
Earlier, a two-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the martyrs of India’s freedom struggle. Several dignitaries, senior officials, ex-servicemen, youth and prominent citizens attended the commemorative event.
