Baramulla, Jul 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the Indian Army was not safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation but was also serving as the custodian of the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
Speaking during the celebration of Kashur Riwaa 2025, a mega event celebrating Kashmir’s culture at the Indoor Stadium in Baramulla, LG Sinha said that unity in diversity was a hallmark of India’s great culture.
He said that the Indian Army had consistently worked to harness this power for societal benefit by creating opportunities for youth to strengthen national unity through literature, music, art, and sports.
“The Indian Army is not safeguarding the nation’s unity and integrity but also actively serving as a custodian of this vibrant cultural heritage of the region and consistently striving to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our youth,” the LG said.
“I salute the dedication and commitment of our Army,” he said.
Over 20,000 young men and women from Baramulla created a world record by performing the Largest Ladishah performance at the ‘Kashur Riwaaj 2025’ cultural festival.
The event was organised by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the district administration of Baramulla to revive the vibrant traditions of Kashmir through traditional dances, music, calligraphy, and cultural activities.
Meanwhile, LG Sinha extended his congratulations to 20,000 youth of Baramulla for making history and securing a world record title.
“By coming together for Ladishah and calligraphy, you have set a new world record. This accomplishment will serve as an inspiration across the sections of society to reconnect with their heritage, embrace their culture, and uphold their values,” he said.
In addition to the main event at Prof Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium, the event was also conducted simultaneously at 162 locations throughout the district, streamed live to the audience, ensuring widespread participation and engagement of youth.
Meanwhile, the LG lauded the Indian Army and the district administration of Baramulla for the commendable endeavour.
“With a whole-of-government approach, we are working to align the aspirations of youth of Jammu Kashmir with the nation’s aspirations,” he said and reiterated the commitment of the Centre and J&K administration to empower the youth of J&K.
He said that in the past, Pakistan-backed terrorism and separatism robbed J&K of peace, progress, and the youth’s aspirations.
“But now J&K is rapidly moving forward. Hopes and dreams of youth can only flourish in a peaceful environment. Today, people of J&K have all stood against the terror and terrorist activities,” he said.
LG Sinha expressed gratitude to the Army, paramilitary forces, and Police for executing ‘Operation Mahadev’, in which three Pakistani terrorists, involved in the April 22 heinous Pahalgam terror attack, were eliminated in Dachigam forest.
He called upon the youth to rise above language, sect, and religion and collectively counter those who spread public unrest.
“There are disturbing elements in society who attempt to justify terrorism and the killing of innocent lives and try to hold hostage the aspirations and dreams of lakhs of youth. Such individuals need to be unmasked,” he said.
The LG sought the cooperation of the young generation to fight against the drug menace and to bring youth who have fallen prey to drug addiction back into the mainstream.
He also announced the Guru-Shishya Parampara programme of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and a calligraphy course in collaboration with the JKAACL and the University of Kashmir (KU).
“J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages with KU is going to launch six-month and one-year certificate and diploma courses in calligraphy,” he said.
Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, GoC 19 Infantry Division Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, DIG North Kashmir, Maqsood-ul-Zaman, and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, were also present on the occasion.
