LG Manoj Sinha Attends 9th Maati Samman Samaroh in Mumbai | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday attended the 9th Maati Samman Samaroh in Mumbai, a cultural festival showcasing the art, heritage, cuisine and tourism of Purvanchal, and emphasised the deep historical, spiritual and cultural linkages between Purvanchal and Maharashtra.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the relationship between the two regions dates back centuries and is deeply embedded in India’s spiritual traditions. He referred to episodes from the Ramayana era, noting that Lord Ram’s association with places such as Panchvati, as well as reverence for Kashi Vishwanath and Trimbakeshwar, reflected a long-standing spiritual continuum.

Describing Purvanchal as more than a geographical region, LG Sinha called it “a consciousness” and a living cultural force that has shaped civilisational thought. He said it represents spirituality, devotion, artistic expression and the confluence of major Indian traditions.

The Lieutenant Governor felicitated several personalities from Purvanchal during the event and highlighted the contributions of historical figures such as Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar in preserving and restoring India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He particularly noted the restoration and development of key religious sites, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and major ghats in Varanasi, under Ahilyabai Holkar’s patronage.

Sinha also referred to the contributions of saints from both Maharashtra and Purvanchal, including Sant Tukaram, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, Sant Ramdas, Goswami Tulsidas, Sant Kabir and Sant Ravidas, saying they played a key role in shaping India’s moral and spiritual consciousness.

He said Purvanchal had been a cradle of major literary and spiritual traditions, contributing texts such as the Upanishads, Ramcharitmanas and the teachings of Kabir and Ravidas, along with Jain and Buddhist scriptures. He also paid tribute to literary figures including Munshi Premchand and Bharatendu Harishchandra, and celebrated the legacy of artists such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Girija Devi and Birju Maharaj.

Referring to India’s freedom struggle, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the contributions of revolutionaries including Mangal Pandey, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rani Lakshmibai and Chittu Pandey.

He further noted that Purvanchal’s cultural influence extended beyond India, with migrant labourers historically carrying Indian traditions to countries such as Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana.

Highlighting economic interdependence, he said migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have significantly contributed to Maharashtra’s industrial growth, adding that both Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh now serve as key contributors to India’s economy.

Urging younger generations to stay connected to their roots, Sinha said cultural identity remains essential to national strength. “A nation that understands its own spirit never loses its path,” he said, adding that India’s future strength depends on preserving its heritage and values.