Srinagar, Jun 13 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland would be the “truest victory,” asserting that a new era of reconstruction, revival and opportunity has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per news agency JKNS, Sinha attended the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave at Srinagar. The landmark event was attended by distinguished personalities of the Kashmiri Pandit community from India and abroad to celebrate Kashmiri Pandit Community’s journey of resilience, renaissance and return.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave celebrates the community’s patience and resilience and honours their achievements and, above all, lays the foundation for return of the community members.
“A moment of transformation is here. Those once uprooted from their homeland return and this homecoming is the truest victory. The presence of business leaders, corporate heads, technology entrepreneurs, and cultural icons sends a powerful message of confidence in the peace of Jammu Kashmir, and trust in the administrative stability under Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Journey of Kashmiri Pandit Community has been scarred by genocide, exile and struggle. World once witnessed their wounds and now the triumph. The community chose a different path. They refused to be defined by wounds and struggle. Instead, they transformed that pain into strength,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon distinguished members of Kashmiri Pandit Community to set up industries, academic and cultural institutions in Jammu Kashmir that will become the immortal story of their heritage and provide opportunities to generations to come. He emphasised that the Kashmiri Pandit Community’s contribution is needed across industry, education, arts and spirituality.
“I believe the true measure of life lies in what we give back, in the hope we inspire, and in the change we leave behind for our society and nation. That is the essence of a meaningful life and that is the real service. And it is this legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also observed that the world remembers the 1990s, when the Kashmiri Pandit community faced unimaginable brutality and endured massacres and, overnight, families were forced to leave everything behind and live in exile in their own country.
“Lives marked by pain and struggle gave the Kashmiri Pandit community only two choices- despair or rebuilding. They chose creation, rebuilding and selfless service and in doing so, the community made history. Carrying the weight of massacre, they never turned away from their purpose.
Hardship never broke the spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Suffering did not silence their ambition. Instead, they shaped their own destiny by building industries, founding institutions, driving innovation, and earning respect across the world.
Today, I am proud that the Kashmiri Pandit community is celebrated for reaching new heights of success. The world honours their talent, leadership, and contributions to humanity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the Global Conclave also indicates that the time has come for the reconstruction and revival of the ancient glory of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
He said the discussions at this conclave on building global industries and institutions here and a shared economic future are blueprints and pathways for cultural revival, economic empowerment, and community restoration.
“You turned struggle into strength, and that struggle forged community leaders who achieved excellence in technology, finance, medicine, the arts, and civil services. In that struggle your commitment produced entrepreneurs who built companies shaping global markets, and I believe it also produced scholars who enriched the academic world and influenced policy.
Through your advancement the Kashmiri Pandit community reminded the world that resolve, courage, and determination are the greatest weapons. Today, as the world celebrates your accomplishments, it honours your talent, your patience, and the spirit that refused to bow,” the Lieutenant Governor told the distinguished members present at the conclave.
The Lieutenant Governor said the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community reflects that after 2019 a new Jammu Kashmir has been born.
“The strength of this new Jammu Kashmir reflects your resolve. Its hope reflects your vision. Jammu Kashmir, which witnessed the massacres, pain, and displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community has been transformed into a centre of reconstruction by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
I often say that history is written by those who rise again after suffering and confronting countless challenges. Having earned global recognition, you are now returning to your roots. This dignified return is also the resolve of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. I salute your courage. I honour your steadfastness. I appreciate your achievements, and I express the commitment that together we will ensure a future brighter than the past and that the pride of the Kashmiri Pandit community will shine again for the welfare of all humanity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community towards building a Viksit Bharat would be significant and would play an important role in the nation’s development journey.
On the occasion, the participants witnessed various sessions during which distinguished speakers and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community shared their experiences and insights.
Among those present on the occasion were Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister; Uphaar Kotru, President, Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA); Utpal Kaul, International Coordinator & Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD); Ashwani Bhat, President, Kashmiri Pandit Association (KPA) Mumbai; Sanjay Koul, President All Minority Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK); Autar Krishan Trakroo, Social Activist and Organising Secretary, Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra; Dileep Mattoo President Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM); R.K. Bhat, President, Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj.
Senior officers from the Police and Civil Administration, prominent citizens, youth and a large number of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also attended the conclave. (JKNS)
