Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 4

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said India had embraced the values of coexistence and diversity for thousands of years, even as many countries across the world continued to grapple with challenges of social harmony and coexistence.

Addressing the ‘Rishiwar’ inter-faith conference in Srinagar, LG Sinha said the principle of equal respect for all faiths had long been embedded in India’s philosophical traditions.

“While many nations today struggle with the challenge of coexistence, diversity has been our natural rhythm of life,” he said, adding that India had practised unity in diversity for centuries.

The LG said respect for different ideas and beliefs had always been a core feature of Sanatan Dharma and that India had consistently shown regard for all faiths.

Referring to ancient Indian scriptures, he said the Rigveda advocates harmony of thought and purpose, stressing the need for people to work together for the collective welfare of humanity.

LG Sinha said scholars and researchers across the world recognised that the concept of equal regard for all religions drew its philosophical roots from India’s ancient traditions.

“Our Vedas, Upanishads, saints and seers have illuminated a path toward lasting world peace,” he said, calling the ethos of equal respect for all religions India’s “most precious gift” to the world.

The LG said societies could progress only through unity and a shared commitment to human welfare, urging people to continue nurturing values of harmony and mutual respect.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s performance during the three phases of the Vande Mataram initiative, he described the response as a reflection of the people’s patriotic spirit.

LG Sinha also praised public participation in the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, saying support for the anti-drug campaign had come organically from different sections of society.

He urged citizens, institutions, and community leaders to strengthen the campaign and work collectively towards building a drug-free and healthier society.

Among those present at the conference were Justice Sanjay Dhar of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan, and conference organiser Prof Meena Sharma.