Jammu, January 30, 2026: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, on Thursday paid tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi, and recalled his enduring relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Speaking at a solemn function organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said that Mahatma Gandhi remains a “living guide” for today’s world, with his philosophy of non-violence, truth and self-reliance being as relevant now as it was during India’s freedom struggle.
“The world is changing rapidly and humanity is confronted with new and complex challenges. Amid such turbulence, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene yet resolute voice continues to offer strength and direction to global society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He observed that Gandhi’s life and work demonstrated that meaningful and lasting change requires not only strength, but also moral character and sustained commitment. Emphasising Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive and resilient society, the Lieutenant Governor said that the protection of fundamental rights—human dignity, equality, justice, welfare of the marginalised, and the rights and dignity of women and youth—forms the foundation of a strong and united society.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that Gandhi regarded moral values as humanity’s greatest strength and an invaluable treasure, enabling societies to overcome even the gravest challenges. He said that throughout his life, Gandhi advocated dialogue over vengeance, compassion over anger, and understanding over confrontation.
Calling upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from Gandhian ideals, Shri Manoj Sinha said that non-violence should be understood as an expression of supreme courage rather than weakness. “Through sacrifice and Satyagraha, Gandhi demonstrated that non-violence is practical and actionable wisdom,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the enduring power of Gandhian values, the Lieutenant Governor said that hope in times of global despair would continue to emerge from Gandhi’s principles. “By following Gandhi’s values, we can address present-day challenges, build a better future, foster global harmony and promote human welfare,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about Jammu and Kashmir’s consistent aspiration for peace and harmony, and highlighted the impact of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in the Union Territory over the past six years. He said that increased public participation in national integration programmes such as ‘Tiranga Yatra’, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ reflected a positive societal transformation.
On the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, the Lieutenant Governor paid homage to all great men and women who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He 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 conferred with the Shanti Doot Puraskar for promoting Gandhian values, while officials from the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces received the Rashtriya Sewa Puraskar.
Earlier, a two-minute silence was observed in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and the martyrs of India’s freedom struggle.
The event was attended by Padma Shri Dr S.P. Varma, President, Gandhi Global Family J&K; legislators Shri Yudhvir Sethi and Ms Devyani Rana; Chief Electoral Officer J&K Shri Sanjeev Verma; senior army and police officers; civil administration officials; ex-servicemen; family members of martyrs; and a large number of youth and citizens who gathered to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
