Aatif Qayoom/ Shafat Malik
New Delhi, Feb 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at the ‘J&K Sambhaav Utsav -2024’ event in New Delhi, underscored the significant advancements made in the region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sinha also highlighted efforts by certain elements to create disorder and spread false information, urging citizens to refrain from aligning with such factions.
Highlighting the positive transformation witnessed in recent years, Sinha emphasised the need to showcase the reforms to both national and international audiences. The ongoing seven-day ‘J&K Sambaav Utsav’ event serves as a platform to exhibit the region’s progress and heritage.
Sinha underscored the importance of empowering all segments of society, including the Pahari community, to contribute to the nation-building process. He outlined Jammu and Kashmir’s emergence as a model for urban development, innovation, startups, agriculture, and industry, along with its growing reputation as a tourist destination.
“This was an effort that those left in past decades to rope in them into mainstream part. I believe there should be a role and contribution of every person if we wish to make India a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
With a record 2.11 crore tourists visiting last year and increased foreign tourist arrivals, Jammu and Kashmir’s image has shifted positively. Gurez and Lolab Valley have been recognized as the country’s most beautiful hidden gems, marking a departure from past associations with terrorism, Sinha said. He said now Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a tourism hotspot and not a terrorism hotspot.
During the event, Sinha launched the ‘Hello J&K’ initiative, aimed at connecting the youth with various opportunities and resources. He also inaugurated digital competitions and new projects, highlighting the region’s diverse cultural heritage and developmental initiatives.
In addition, Sinha announced initiatives such as the Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making competition and various projects undertaken by J&K’s Resident Commission. The event showcased products ranging from ODOP items to traditional handicrafts, underscoring the region’s economic potential.
The Departments including Tourism, Agriculture, and Information Technology showcased their activities, emphasising efforts to promote local products and improve market linkages. Sinha expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would lead in farmers’ income within the next four years, citing initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The facilities inaugurated by the Lt Governor today include Officers’ Transit Accommodation at Rajaji Marg, Office-cum- Utility area at J&K House, Chanakyapuri and Fitness Centre at JK House, 5- Prithviraj Road.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Satish Chandra, Chairman RERA; Dr Rashmi Singh, Principal Resident Commissioner; senior officials of J&K Government; members of business and trade associations, representatives of SIDBI, PHD Chamber, ASSOCHAM, FICCI, Invest India, NGOs; artisans, entrepreneurs, artists and citizens of J&K living in the national capital and other parts of the country were present.
