Shrine Board reiterates commitment to pilgrim services, community welfare on R Day

RK News
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27 Jan 2026

Katra, Jan 26: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra. On the occasion, after unfurling the National Flag, According to a statement issued here, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to enhancing pilgrim services and supporting social initiatives for community welfare. The celebrations featured an impressive march past by contingents of the J&K Police, CRPF, NCC, Shrine Security and students from various educational institutions. Addressing the gathering, the CEO stated that under the guidance and directions of the Chairman, Manoj Sinha ( Lieutenant Governor JK-UT), the Shrine Board has consistently accorded the highest priority to the welfare, safety and convenience of pilgrims as well as the local community, emerging as a model institution of selfless service. Recalling the natural calamities of 2025, he highlighted the Board’s prompt humanitarian response through distribution of relief material, medical assistance and temporary shelters to over 2,000 affected families. He informed that renovation of 15 Government schools in Reasi and Udhampur districts has been taken up, with 13 already completed and the remaining nearing completion. Highlighting major infrastructure initiatives, the CEO referred to the recently completed Sadhana Kaksh at Bhawan for meditation and prayer, and projects nearing completion including the new Vaishnavi Bhawan, cottages at Katra and a new exit track at Bhawan, proposed to be dedicated to pilgrims during the forthcoming Chaitra and Sharad Navratras. He further stated that construction of new helipads at Katra for Shiv Khori Shrine is in its final stages, while the ₹30-crore Shankaracharya Temple Project at Katra is being undertaken to strengthen spiritual heritage and generate local employment. Earlier, five temples have been completed in Reasi district and work on five more is underway. Emphasizing sustainability, empowerment, he informed that solar rooftop projects are being installed along Tarakote Marg and other tracks to promote clean energy, while women self-help groups have been strengthened through purchase orders worth Rs 5 crore, with a target of Rs 10 crore in the coming years. The CEO also highlighted the Shrine Board’s contribution beyond religious activities, including establishment of a Super Specialty Hospital, University, Sanskrit Gurukul and Sports Complex, besides, announced that a special school for differently-abled children will be launched in Jammu in collaboration with the J&K Social Welfare Department. Commending Shrine Board athletes for their exceptional performance in 2025, he congratulated them for winning 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals in Para Archery, Athletics and Judo at national and international events.