Jammu, Nov 14 (KNS) :“The going has never been as good for Jammu Kashmir in the past as it has been since 2019,” the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Friday.

He said, Jammu Kashmir’s economy has grown at an impressive pace since 2021 and rapid growth in infrastructure since 2019 is unprecedented in J&K UT history.

“Our effort for industrialization is showing impressive growth. We have taken bold decisions taking Jammu Kashmir into a brighter future and ensuring far greater prosperity for our people,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the valedictory function of first phase of celebrations marking the 150th year of the national song 'Vande Mataram' at MA Stadium in Jammu. The event witnessed a massive gathering with more than 20,000 students and citizens participating in the mass singing of 'Vande Mataram' on the occasion. The second phase will start from 9th January 2026. The celebration was organised by Department of Culture.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the people of Jammu Kashmir for their historic participation in the 150th year celebration of 'Vande Mataram'.

“I am proud to announce that Jammu Kashmir has secured 1st rank nationally in the overall participation in week-long celebrations marking 150th year of national song. Today, more than 20,000 students and citizens participated in showing a strong indication of national pride,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and highlighted his contribution in freedom struggle and inspiring the society.

He said, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay had strengthened the bond between Maa Bharti and her sons and inspired people to secure the independence.

“Every Indian heart has an inner song and that is Vande Mataram. During freedom struggle when Vande Mataram was sung by someone, other hearts were humming it back.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThus, a strong bond was created which should inspire young generation today to serve Maa Bharti,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that every section of the society should spread the ideas and ideals of Bankim Chandra which shaped our freedom struggle and use its spirit to take the UT of Jammu Kashmir forward into the future.

“We must show the courage, wisdom and strong conviction that Bankim Chandra would have expected us in building a peaceful and prosperous J&K UT,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon every citizen to dedicate themselves to nation-building, shedding the vestiges of colonial past and embrace the spirit of brotherhood and equality.

“The overwhelming participation of citizens in programmes like 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and 'Vande Mataram' in Jammu Kashmir is a sign that the UT is shedding its past and moving towards a bright future, however, this transformation is causing great pain to some people.

There are still some elements hiding within the society, who are trying to radicalise our youth. Several such cases have come to our attention in the recent past. We must root out such elements from society. We must isolate terror elements and ensure the vital support systems necessary for their existence is denied. Collective action of society will prove to be the last nail in the coffin of terrorism," the Lieutenant Governor said.

Er. Gulam Ali Khatana and Sat Sharma, Members of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council Jammu; Members of Legislative Assembly; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Administrative secretaries; senior officials, prominent citizens, students, and people from different walks of life attended the valedictory function.(KNS)