“Tiranga” in Jammu & Kashmir

It goes to the credit of Indian democracy that people have comprehensive freedom to express and innovate. Despite severe challenges of subversion and terrorism the nation has been marching ahead in all spheres of life. Indian human resource is most sought after all over the globe and our technocrats in huge demand. In this national march for development Jammu and Kashmir is not far behind.Though the socio-political landscape has been the victim of terrorism patronised by the belligerent neighbour from more than three decades but the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown tremendous grit to defeat the forces of subversion. It goes to the credit of the common people who have given apt response to the regressive forces from time to time with their patience and confidence. Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing the unfolding of new dimensions with the national presence of multiple players from various sectors.It gives a hope of new dawn and new future.Especially the youth are contributing to the national goals with their participation in various sectors and are not lagging behind their counterparts in the other states of India. Infact, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have set new benchmarks by shoeing their will and determination by performing with excellence in start ups and other entrepreneurship opportunities. This contribution has caught the eye of experts and policy makers in the rest of India. This zeal to contribute in the national economic development makes it clear that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are the catalysts and ambassadors of “ Naya Jammu and Kashmir”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the positive change and wave of nationalism in Jammu and Kashmir in his “Mann Ki Baat” programme on Sunday. He has said that on the world’s largest bridge on the river Chenab(Chanderbhaga) people participated in a Tiranga rally in which people upheld the 750 metre long national flag. Not only that. He also underlined the Tiranga rally on the eve of Independence day on the banks of Dal Lake(Sureshwari Lake) that gave a majestic look.This is indeed a point to ponder. A question may be asked. Who was in the forefront of these rallies and who carried the “Tiranga”? Answer is simple-the school children and students.These children and students are the seeds of nationalism who in the coming years will hold the important positions in various sectors and will act as human resource of national resurgence.The need is to sustain this spirit with care and sense of duty towards our children.They have to be continuously sensitised about their national role. Moreover, they have a huge responsibility of Jammu and Kashmir on their shoulders in the times to come.We cannot afford to loose our children to regression.Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed continuous onslaught and loss of precious lives to the ethno-religious conflict. Time has come to enlarge the constituency of peace and nationalism by acknowledging the role of the young minds.Policy makers must focus on capacity building by developing a Jammu and Kashmir that is not prone to subversion and destabilisation.Students must be made aware of the national history and events that shaped the democratic India. Textbooks can help the students to pass the examination to excel in various professions.But nationalism and societal well being can be taught through various ways.It includes learning based on cross cultural exchanges between various states.India is diverse nation.Indeed there have initaitives like Bharat Darshan to inculcate national ethos among students but there is a need to make such initaitives more comprehensive and inclusive.Not only children from Jammu and Kashmir must visit their counterparts in the rest of India but it should be vice versa.It will pave the way for a strong nation.Then only the hope generated by children in Jammu and Kashmir for inclusive and self –reliant India will be a reality. ”Tiranga” in Jammu and Kashmir signifies progression and inclusive nation for a strong and developed India. Jammu and Kashmir will be the nucleus of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.