Kashmir is India’s crown: LG

Srinagar, Jun 27: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha Friday said that Kashmir is the crown of India while Bengal and Punjab are its shields.

Addressing the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets during the special national integration camp organised at Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar, LG Manoj Sinha said, ìIndia is not just a piece of land. It is a victorious and prosperous nation. Kashmir is its crown while Bengal and Punjab are its two great and strong armies.î

He said India was the land of sacrifice and struggle, and urged the NCC cadets to take an oath in this camp that they would live and die for their country.

ìThe youth of our vast and diverse nation encourage unity and pride. At the same time, they get an opportunity to understand the culture and tradition of different regions,î the LG said.

He said that NCC connects the youth with the administration and the society.

LG Sinha said that the NCC ensures that every youth associated with the organisation becomes a strong medium of change.

ìI would like to invite you all to take part in all these activities and raise the spirit of the nation first and inform people about their duties,î he said.

The LG stated that joining NCC was an important opportunity for the youth to reflect on the progress they had made and to develop a roadmap for the future.

ìI see talented young men and women of the NCC as the custodians of Indiaís ancient civilisation. The NCC cadets from across the country, participating in this special national integration camp, will become brand ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir,î he said.

LG Sinha commended the NCC Directorate, J&K and Ladakh, 15 Corps Headquarters, and 31 Sub Area Headquarters for organising the special national integration camp to provide an opportunity to expose youth from various parts of the country to the rich culture and traditions of J&K and present an inspiring example of unity in diversity.

ìNCC shapes young minds and proudly serves the society and the nation. NCC cadets have displayed courage and novel approach to challenges to societal progress,î he said.

The LG said that priceless values like discipline, teamwork, leadership, and dedication have helped the NCC cadets to build a better future.

He highlighted the invaluable contribution of NCC as one of the largest and most dynamic youth organisations in the country to strengthening national unity.

ìNCC has preserved and promoted the nationís cultural values and traditions,î LG Sinha said.

He said that youth were a hope for a brighter future besides being the most valuable assets for any region and government.

ìYouth are the true catalysts of change in society. They must imbibe the profound values of the NCC like discipline, unity, leadership, and selfless service and work collectively to realise the vision of developed India,î the LG said.

He said that the message should also be conveyed through the special national integration camp that the participation of the youth in the planning and development process at the grassroots level should be ensured so that socio-economic development can be fully realised.

ìNCC should be seen as a bridge between the administration and youth aspirations. By leveraging the NCCís network and connection, we can ensure the active participation of youth in various nation-building activities,î LG Sinha said.

He said that the special camp was also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in achieving the goal of youth-led development and to prepare a roadmap for the future.

The LG lauded NCC cadetsí efforts during ëOperation Sindoorí. ìOur NCC cadets rose to the occasion during difficult times. Beyond their selfless service in relief camps across border districts, they also proactively organised blood donation drives. Through these commendable deeds, they have unequivocally elevated the prestige of the NCC,î he said.

GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Shantmanu; Additional Director General (ADG) NCC, Directorate J&K and Ladakh, Major Gen Anupinder Bevli; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Bidhuri; Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez;  Padma Shri Farooq Ahmed Mir, and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Akshay Labroo were also present on the occasion.