Diversity prospers in India as many nations struggle for coexistence: LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Jun 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that while many countries were struggling with the challenge for coexistence, diversity was prospering in India.

Speaking at the ‘Rishiwar’ inter-faith conference 2026 in Srinagar, LG Sinha said that the idea of honouring all faiths equally had been woven into fabric of India’s philosophy for millennia.

“While many nations today struggle with challenge of coexistence, diversity has been our natural rhythm of life. While many societies have devised measures to safeguard unity, India embraced ethos and value of coexistence and practiced seamlessly for thousands of years,” he said.

The LG said that respecting all ideas and beliefs had always been tradition of Sanatan Dharma.

He said that India has consistently emphasised unity in diversity and shown respect to every faith that emerged thousands of years after Sanatan Dharma. LG Sinha said that the Rigveda also teaches that hearts and minds should be aligned.

“Our aim should be the same, our feelings in harmony, and our thoughts united,” he said.

“Scholars and researchers worldwide agree that the spirit of equal regard for all religions finds its philosophical roots in the ancient traditions of our great country. When I reflect on the ideals and philosophies India has gifted humanity, it becomes evident that through both thought and deed, our Vedas, Upanishads, saints, and seers have illuminated a path toward lasting world peace,” the LG said.

He said that every thread of society must be woven together, advancing with a shared commitment to the welfare of humanity.

“That is precisely what humanity needs most today. The ethos of equal respect for all religions is India’s most precious gift to the world. We must continuously nurture it so we can move forward together in unity and bring prosperity to every community,” LG Sinha said.

Highlighting Jammu Kashmir’s exceptional performance during the three phases of the VandeMataram initiative, he described the achievement as extraordinary and a testament to the people’s enduring patriotic spirit.

The LG lauded the overwhelming public support for the NashaMukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.

He said that participation from all sections of society had been organic and inspiring.

LG Sinha called upon citizens, institutions, and community leaders to embrace the campaign as a people’s movement and work together towards building a drug-free and healthier society.

Justice Sanjay Dhar, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Syed DarakhshanAndrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, and Prof Meena Sharma, Organiser (Convener) also attended the conference.