Launches book on Lal Ded, urges writers and educators to preserve India’s cultural heritage and inspire young minds
KNZ/TMJ DESK
Srinagar, July 12 (KNZ/TMJ): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said the youth are the builders of the nation’s future and urged them to dream big, work hard and strive for excellence, asserting that India’s progress depends on patience, collective effort and a strong connection with its civilisational values.
Speaking at the Lal Ded Literary Awards ceremony and the release of Dr. Vaidehi Taman’s book Lal Ded: The Mother of Kashmir in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said nation-building is a shared responsibility and called upon the younger generation to play a leading role in shaping a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
“Youth are the builders of our future. Do not settle for ordinary achievements. Dream big, work hard and strive for excellence. Our nation’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work and collective effort,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor said India’s greatest strength lies in its rich spiritual, scientific and cultural identity, which has been preserved through generations.
He urged the youth not to lose touch with this legacy and said the country’s heritage should become a source of inspiration for innovation and development.
“Now is the time to use our rich heritage to inspire millions of new minds. Now is the time to innovate and give the youth of Jammu and Kashmir a clear purpose for building a self-reliant Union Territory,” he said.
Sinha said India’s ancestors laid the foundation of the nation by balancing scientific progress with deep spiritual values, adding that true development requires both scientific temper and moral strength.
He also appealed to writers, thinkers and artists to preserve and promote the timeless teachings of Lal Ded, Kabir, Nund Rishi, Guru Nanak and Tulsidas, saying their wisdom remains relevant for guiding younger generations.
The Lieutenant Governor said literature and education together shape responsible citizens by fostering knowledge, compassion and a sense of duty.
He observed that today’s youth stand at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, with access to technology but an increasing need for purpose and direction.
“It is the responsibility of writers to connect young people with their cultural roots while encouraging them to think beyond boundaries. Teachers must impart not only knowledge and skills but also values, confidence and courage to face future challenges,” he said.
Calling upon intellectuals, educators, scientists and creative professionals to actively contribute to nation-building, Sinha urged them to encourage independent thinking among youth, document and preserve India’s cultural heritage, transform ideas into practical solutions, mentor the next generation and promote collaboration across disciplines to address emerging global challenges, including climate change.
Responding to a demand for establishing a museum dedicated to Lal Ded and other eminent personalities, the Lieutenant Governor assured that appropriate steps would be taken.
The function was attended by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, former Member of Parliament Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, eminent writer Prof. Neerja Mattoo, author Dr. Vaidehi Taman, Padma Shri Dr. S.P. Varma, Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, SSP Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, besides several distinguished literary personalities and senior officials.(KNZ/TMJ)
