Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday attended the Lal Ded Literature Awards and the launch of Dr. Vaidehi Taman’s new book, Lal Ded: The Mother of Kashmir, urging writers, educators and intellectuals to inspire the younger generation with the timeless wisdom of saints and philosophers such as Lal Ded, Kabir, Nund Rishi, Guru Nanak and Tulsidas.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said India’s greatest strength lies in its rich spiritual, scientific and cultural heritage, stressing that the nation’s progress depends on balancing scientific advancement with deep-rooted spiritual values.
“Our ancestors built India by balancing science with deep spiritual values. Progress requires both the scientist and the spiritualist,” he said.
Appealing to the youth, Sinha said they must preserve the nation’s civilisational legacy while embracing innovation to build a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
“India’s greatest strength is its rich spiritual, scientific and cultural identity, passed down through centuries like a torch. I appeal to the youth not to let that flame die. Now is the time to use our rich heritage to inspire millions of new minds and build a self-reliant Union Territory,” he said.
Describing nation-building as a shared responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor urged young people to dream big, work hard and strive for excellence.
“Youth are the builders of our future. Do not settle for ordinary achievements. Dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. Our nation’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work and collective effort,” he said.
Highlighting India’s unique civilisational ethos, Sinha said the country’s enduring traditions continue to unite people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari through a shared spiritual and cultural heritage.
He urged writers, thinkers and artists to preserve and promote these traditions while remaining open to new ideas.
“I am not suggesting we live in the past, but that we respect the truth, goodness and grace of our heritage. We can remain open to the world while staying deeply rooted, just like a tree with strong roots that withstands storms and continues to grow,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also called upon citizens to reconnect with forgotten aspects of their cultural heritage, whether language, music, traditions, stories or cuisine, and encourage the next generation to do the same.
Commending the contributions of the award recipients, Sinha said writers, educators and artists play a vital role in shaping society and preserving knowledge for future generations.
“They are guides for society, proving that true excellence is measured by the positive impact we leave on future generations. Literature makes us compassionate, while education equips us with knowledge. Together, they create responsible citizens capable of leading the nation forward,” he said.
He noted that today’s youth stand at the intersection of tradition and modernity, possessing technological tools but also searching for purpose.
“It is the responsibility of writers to connect young people with their cultural roots and inspire them to think beyond boundaries with purpose. Teachers must impart not only skills but also values, confidence and courage to face future challenges. When literature and education go hand in hand, national progress becomes not only material but also moral and spiritual,” he said.
On the occasion, Sinha outlined five key appeals to intellectuals, writers, teachers, scientists and creators: encourage independent thinking among youth, document and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage, translate ideas into practical solutions for real-world challenges, mentor the next generation through experience and public service, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration to address global issues such as climate change.
Reiterating that nation-building is a collective responsibility, he said economic growth alone cannot build a strong nation without responsible citizens committed to protecting and strengthening it.
Responding to a request for establishing a museum dedicated to Lal Ded and other eminent personalities, the Lieutenant Governor assured that appropriate steps would be taken in this regard.
The event was attended by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat, former Rajya Sabha MP and President of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, eminent writer Prof. Neerja Mattoo, author Dr. Vaidehi Taman and several distinguished literary personalities.
