Jammu, November 4, 2025: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela at Marh Sub-Division in Jammu District on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage for sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Preserving cultural heritage is crucial for rapid economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said, urging collective efforts to pass on traditions, arts, crafts, and customs to younger generations through active participation in cultural and spiritual events. Such initiatives, he noted, would not only strengthen cultural identity but also create new avenues for employment.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor dedicated a Pilgrim Community Hall and four modular bus stops, and laid the foundation stone for the first-ever Indoor Sports Complex in Marh Sub-Division, to be developed under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance to Baba Jitto and Bua Kauri, describing Baba Jitto as a “universal symbol of public welfare” whose life exemplified truth, non-violence, and brotherhood. “The Jhiri Mela is a celebration of multiculturalism and social harmony. The real tribute to Baba Jitto is to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach every farmer,” he said.
Calling upon citizens to take a pledge of selfless service, the Lieutenant Governor urged everyone to work towards a just, equal, and harmonious society as envisioned by Baba Jitto.
“Together we can build a strong, secure, prosperous, and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir,” he affirmed, while commending the farming community for its resilience and invaluable contribution to society.
Highlighting the importance of participatory governance, the Lieutenant Governor said,
> “Community participation in governance must be ensured to promote accountability, improve service delivery, and foster inclusivity and transparency. This will help understand citizens’ needs better and frame more responsive policies.”
He also encouraged officials and public representatives to work collectively to create market linkages for local artisans, craftsmen, and traders.
The newly inaugurated Pilgrim Community Hall will serve as a year-round rest facility for devotees and as a venue for religious, cultural, and community awareness programs. The four modular bus stops constructed at Jhiri Chowk, Rajpura Chowk, Bawa Talab Chowk, and Kanachak Chowk will improve connectivity to the Jhiri Temple and nearby rural areas.
The upcoming Indoor Sports Complex—expected to be completed within four months—will mark a milestone in sports promotion in the region. It will feature two badminton courts, dedicated arenas for judo, taekwondo, and karate, air rifle shooting ranges, table tennis facilities, chess and carrom zones, along with a reading and recreation area.
During the event, the Lieutenant Governor also visited stalls set up by government departments, self-help groups (SHGs), agri-entrepreneurs, and farmers, and felicitated several progressive farmers. The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances showcasing Jammu and Kashmir’s rich artistic heritage.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Shri Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council Jammu; Shri Surinder Kumar, MLA Marh; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; senior officials, devotees, and a large gathering of people from across the region.
