Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the book “Sardar Patel and Kashmir: The Untold History”, paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and highlighting his role in the integration of princely states and the shaping of modern India.

Sinha also expressed gratitude to Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan Ji and commended the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan for its contributions to spiritual upliftment, education and humanitarian service. He congratulated Dr Rizwan Kadri for editing and publishing the book.

In his address, the lieutenant governor described Patel as the “architect of modern India” and said his leadership and organisational abilities ensured the integration of 562 princely states into a united country.

He said Patel's vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” continues to define the country's unity in diversity and democratic ethos.

Recalling Patel's position on Jammu Kashmir, Sinha cited his declaration that “we will not give even an inch of Jammu Kashmir’s territory to anyone”.

The lieutenant governor also spoke about Patel's ability to understand the pulse of the nation and connect with common people, workers and communities across the country.

“Through his indomitable willpower, clear vision, selfless diligence, and skilful organisational strength, he ensured that the dream of an undivided India became a reality. I also believe that had Sardar Patel been given the responsibility for Jammu Kashmir, perhaps the problems that the people here endured for more than six decades would not have arisen,” he said.

Sinha described the book as an attempt to re-examine history with honesty and impartiality. He said historical narratives had, for long, been influenced by ideological considerations that overlooked the contributions of leaders such as Patel.

He urged a new generation of writers to treat history as a mirror of truth rather than a tool for glorification and to draw lessons from past decisions while shaping the future.

The lieutenant governor also referred to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019, describing it as the fulfilment of Patel's unfinished dream.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the constitutional changes represented not only a legal change but also a step towards psychological and emotional integration, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for communities in Jammu Kashmir.

“In August 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation witnessed a historic constitutional change. New possibilities of education, employment, entrepreneurship and development opened up for the youth,” Sinha said.

“The Prime Minister’s decision proved that when national interest becomes the supreme priority, no obstacle remains permanent. This is the same firm willpower whose glimpse we saw in Sardar Patel’s nation-building efforts in 1947. I believe that by consigning the era of Article 370 to history, Jammu Kashmir now stands at the threshold of a new future,” he said.

Sinha outlined four priorities for the future of Jammu Kashmir -- peace through zero tolerance towards terrorism, rapid development through infrastructure and connectivity, youth empowerment by linking them with India's digital economy and startup culture, and revival of cultural heritage to strengthen tourism and human values.

He envisioned Srinagar, Jammu and other cities of the Union Territory as vibrant centres of education, trade and innovation.

Describing the book as a “lighthouse” illuminating Patel's vision of a united and confident India, the lieutenant governor called upon citizens to uphold the ideals of unity, integrity and patriotism.

He said the country should aspire to lead the world not only economically but also through moral leadership, cultural richness and democratic values.

Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Kishor Makwana, Dr Rizwan Kadri, Swami Bhagwat Priya Das , Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma, senior officials, prominent literary personalities and office-bearers of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan attended the book launch ceremony.(KNS)