LG Sinha Launches Book on Sardar Patel’s Kashmir Legacy, Calls for Unity, Peace and Youth Empowerment
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the book “Sardar Patel and Kashmir: The Untold History”, paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in the integration of princely states and highlighting his vision of a united and progressive India.
The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to Sardar Patel and expressed gratitude to Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan Ji. He also acknowledged the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan for its contributions to spiritual upliftment, education and humanitarian service, and congratulated Dr. Rizwan Kadri for editing and publishing the book.
Describing Sardar Patel as the “architect of modern India”, Sinha said his leadership, organisational abilities and practical approach played a decisive role in integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union.
He said Patel’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” continues to remain relevant in strengthening India’s unity and diversity. Referring to Patel’s position on Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor recalled his assertion that the country would not give “even an inch” of Jammu Kashmir’s territory to anyone.
“Through his indomitable willpower, clear vision, selfless diligence, and skilful organisational strength, he ensured that the dream of an undivided India became a reality,” Sinha said.
He further remarked that had Patel been entrusted with Jammu Kashmir, the region might not have faced the problems that persisted for decades.
Sinha described the book as an effort to revisit historical developments with greater honesty and impartiality. He said historical narratives should be examined objectively and urged writers and researchers to treat history as a reflection of facts rather than a means of glorification.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to the constitutional changes of August 2019 concerning Articles 370 and 35A, describing them as an important step towards greater constitutional integration of Jammu Kashmir.
He said the changes had opened new possibilities in education, employment, entrepreneurship and development for the region’s youth.
“In August 2019, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation witnessed a historic constitutional change. New possibilities of education, employment, entrepreneurship and development opened up for the youth,” he said.
Sinha said Jammu Kashmir was now at the threshold of a new phase of development and emphasised the need to maintain focus on peace, infrastructure, youth empowerment and cultural heritage.
He outlined four broad priorities for the Union Territory: maintaining peace through a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism; accelerating development through infrastructure and connectivity; empowering youth by connecting them with the digital economy and startup ecosystem; and preserving cultural heritage to promote tourism and strengthen social values.
The Lieutenant Governor said Srinagar, Jammu and other cities of Jammu Kashmir should emerge as vibrant centres of education, trade, innovation and enterprise.
Describing the book as a “lighthouse” illuminating Sardar Patel’s vision of a united and confident India, Sinha called upon citizens to uphold the ideals of unity, integrity and patriotism while contributing to the country’s economic, cultural and democratic progress.
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, Kishor Makwana, Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Dr. Rizwan Kadri, Swami Bhagwat Priya Das Ji, Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, senior officials, literary personalities and office bearers of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan attended the book launch ceremony ANB
