Journey of KPs scarred by genocide, exile and struggle; world saw their wounds, now it’s witnessing their triumph
Srinagar, Jun 13: Asserting that journey of Kashmiri Pandit Community has been scarred by genocide, exile and struggle, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that world once saw their wounds but now it’s witnessing their triumph.
Addressing the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave here, LG Sinha, according to the news agency termed homecoming of Kashmiri Pandit community as their truest victory saying, “Those once uprooted from their homeland have returned with dignity and honour and a moment of transformation is here.”
The landmark event was attended by distinguished personalities of the Kashmiri Pandit community from India and abroad to celebrate Kashmiri Pandit Community’s journey of resilience, renaissance and return.
“Journey of Kashmiri Pandit Community has been scarred by genocide, exile and struggle. World once witnessed their wounds and now the triumph. The community chose a different path. They refused to be defined by wounds and struggle. Instead, they transformed that pain into strength,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha called upon distinguished members of Kashmiri Pandit Community to set up industries, academic and cultural institutions in Jammu Kashmir that will become the immortal story of their heritage and provide opportunities to generations to come. He emphasised that the Kashmiri Pandit Community’s contribution is needed across industry, education, arts and spirituality.
The Lieutenant Governor also observed that the world remembers the 1990s, when the Kashmiri Pandit community faced unimaginable brutality and endured massacres and, overnight, families were forced to leave everything behind and live in exile in their own country.
Hardship never broke the spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Suffering did not silence their ambition. Instead, they shaped their own destiny by building industries, founding institutions, driving innovation, and earning respect across the world.
Today, I am proud that the Kashmiri Pandit community is celebrated for reaching new heights of success. The world honours their talent, leadership, and contributions to humanity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the Global Conclave also indicates that the time has come for the reconstruction and revival of the ancient glory of the Kashmiri Pandit community. He said the discussions at this conclave on building global industries and institutions here and a shared economic future are blueprints and pathways for cultural revival, economic empowerment, and community restoration.
Through your advancement the Kashmiri Pandit community reminded the world that resolve, courage, and determination are the greatest weapons. Today, as the world celebrates your accomplishments, it honours your talent, your patience, and the spirit that refused to bow,” the Lieutenant Governor told the distinguished members present at the conclave.
The Lieutenant Governor said the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community reflects that after 2019 a new Jammu Kashmir has been born.
I often say that history is written by those who rise again after suffering and confronting countless challenges. Having earned global recognition, you are now returning to your roots. This dignified return is also the resolve of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. I salute your courage. I honour your steadfastness. I appreciate your achievements, and I express the commitment that together we will ensure a future brighter than the past and that the pride of the Kashmiri Pandit community will shine again for the welfare of all humanity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community towards building a Viksit Bharat would be significant and would play an important role in the nation’s development journey.
On the occasion, the participants witnessed various sessions during which distinguished speakers and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community shared their experiences and insights.
Among those present on the occasion were Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister; Uphaar Kotru, President, Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA); Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator & Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD); Ashwani Bhat, President, Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai; Sanjay Koul, President All Minority Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK); Autar Krishan Trakroo, Social Activist and Organising Secretary, Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra; Dileep Mattoo President Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM); R.K. Bhat, President, Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj.
Senior officers from the Police and Civil Administration, prominent citizens, youth and a large number of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also attended the conclave.
Knowledge, innovation key to Viksit Bharat:LG
Srinagar, Jun 13: Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a transformative phase marked by rapid growth in education, entrepreneurship and industrial investments, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that Union Territory’s developmental trajectory is aligned with the vision of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
Addressing a symposium on “Viksit Bharat and Jammu & Kashmir: Relevance of Mahamana Malaviya Mission” at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir, here, LG Sinha, as per the news agency, commended the Mahamana Malaviya Mission for digitising and expanding access to the legacy of Malaviya, saying such initiatives ensure universal reach of timeless knowledge in the digital era.
He said Malaviya had envisioned an education system integrating engineering, agriculture, science and indigenous knowledge long before it became part of modern policy frameworks.
Highlighting key development indicators, the LG said Jammu and Kashmir has registered over 4,300 startups, with nearly one-third led by women entrepreneurs, reflecting growing participation of youth and women in the economy.
He said the UT has also performed strongly under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), securing a top national position despite its small population share.
LG Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed unprecedented industrial expansion following the 2021 Industrial Policy, with investment inflows in the last four years exceeding those of several previous decades combined.
Calling upon students and youth, the LG urged them to focus on five key pillars of growth: continuous mastery of knowledge and skills, integrity and ethical values, entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, active community participation, and strengthening national unity and social harmony.
LG Sinha said Mahamana Malaviya’s vision of holistic education is being reflected in the National Education Policy, which integrates modern science, industry needs and cultural values.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha also attended the launch of the e-edition of the collected works of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. The event was attended by representatives of the Mahamana Malaviya Mission, faculty members, senior officials and Vice Chancellors of the University of Jammu and Central University of Kashmir, among others—(KNO).
