Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Vijayadashami and Gandhi Jayanti on October 3, 2023. Their messages resonate not just with festivity but also carry a profound message of unity and moral values.
In his message, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized, “On the joyous occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all for their happiness, well-being and prosperity. Vijayadashami symbolises the victory of good over evil and righteousness over unrighteousness. May this sacred festival inspire us to work for unity, peace and progress of the country and strengthen our spirit of harmony, brotherhood and oneness.” This statement reflects his dedication to fostering communal harmony and national integrity.
On this significant day, LG Sinha also paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 156th birth anniversary. He stated, “I pay my heartfelt tribute to the Father of the Nation. This is an occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to internalize Bapuji’s ideals of peace, non-violence, truth, tolerance, compassion and selfless service. Bapu dedicated his life for India’s freedom, social equity and rural development.” His call for the promotion of Swadeshi products is aimed at boosting local economy and supporting small artisans.
Continuing his tribute, Sinha urged, “On this momentous day, let us pledge to follow the path of truth and non-violence, promote peace and work for building a Viksit Bharat.” This encapsulates his vision for a developed India that embraces Gandhian values.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also shared greetings for Vijayadashami. He described it as a festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, stating, “Dussehra inspires people to uphold the values of truth, righteousness and justice under all circumstances. It conveys a timeless message of moral courage and harmony, vital for building a better society.” Abdullah’s sentiments reflect the historical and cultural significance of the festival.
Omar Abdullah extended his greetings on Gandhi Jayanti as well, acknowledging Gandhiji’s profound impact. He noted, “Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless teachings of Satya, Ahimsa, peace and humanity hold greater significance in today’s conflict-ridden world. Gandhi Ji waged an unwavering struggle against untouchability, caste discrimination and inequality.” This statement relays the urgent need for Gandhian principles in modern society.
Furthermore, Abdullah urged the youth to adopt Gandhi Ji’s teachings in their daily lives, thereby promoting peace and communal harmony. He remarked, “His philosophy continues to inspire generations and remains a guiding light for building a tolerant, harmonious and just society.” This call to action encourages the younger generation to actively engage in the values of brotherhood and unity.
The messages from both leaders come at a crucial juncture. As the nation observes these significant events, the appeal for peace and mutual respect resonates louder than ever, particularly in a diverse society like Jammu and Kashmir.
