Old propaganda losing ground: LG Manoj Sinha

Shopian, Jul 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir was undergoing significant transformation, particularly in the fields of education, women’s empowerment and economic development.

Speaking at a function held at the Army Goodwill School in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, LG Sinha said that there was a time when fear-driven narratives were deliberately crafted to deter people from sending their children to schools run by the Army.

“There was a time when people were discouraged from sending their children to Army Goodwill Schools. They were intimidated through fear-driven narratives,” he said.

The LG called it ironic that while soldiers were trusted to lay down their lives for the country, people hesitated to let their children be educated at schools run by them.

“If our brave soldiers can safeguard the nation’s borders, why should they not contribute to educating our children?” he said. “Such propaganda has lost traction over the past 5 years and people now recognise the quality of education provided by Army-run institutions.”

LG Sinha said that the Army continues to play a crucial role not only in defending the country’s unity and integrity, but also in bringing about positive change in Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to B R Ambedkar, he said the architect of the Indian constitution had laid the foundation for national reconstruction through values such as selfless service, perseverance, and sacrifice.

“Seven decades ago, with determination and struggle, he resolved to eradicate poverty and economic and social discrimination. Today, we continue to draw inspiration from that vision,” the LG said.

He also stressed the importance of women’s equal participation in nation-building, saying women and daughters were in no way inferior to men.

“Across the country, efforts are being made in this direction, but more concrete steps are still needed,” LG Sinha said.

Citing an article by Mahatma Gandhi in Harijan, he said Gandhi believed women surpassed men in matters of courage and self-sacrifice and emphasised the need to make women aware of their strength and potential.

“Economic assistance for education, self-employment, and skill development is a key means through which women can be empowered and their dignity upheld,” the LG said.

LG Sinha also felicitated the women trainees who completed their vocational training and life enhancement skills courses at Army Goodwill School Shopian, and five other entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement centres at Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag and Pampore.

He lauded Monica Pal Bharti, her entire team of Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas Evam Sewa Sansthan, Project Toha Social, and the Indian Army for the wonderful initiative of women empowerment and providing vocational training to 1481 women, including 125 women trainees of the recently concluded training course.

Paying homage to Ambedkar, the LG said, “Baba Saheb was the pioneer of women’s rights and women’s empowerment and his timeless values and resolve for selfless service, equality, and social justice continue to guide the nation.”

He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women’s empowerment had been transformed into a mass movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The social and economic upliftment of women has been our top priority. I strongly believe that women-led development will lead us to overcoming challenges like terrorism, drug addiction, other social evils, and to build a peaceful and prosperous J&K,” LG Sinha said. “Women’s power has brought a tremendous change to the rural economy. Our multi-pronged approach and women-centric initiatives have empowered women in J&K with training and financial support. It is being ensured that the women are not just beneficiaries of development but a key partner in J&K’s growth journey.”

He called for an annual follow-up after the participants completed the training and started their businesses.

The LG emphasised a planned approach to close the gap between the number of women and men entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, and encourage the women workforce to scale up their businesses.

“We must wholeheartedly recognise and respect women’s inherent abilities and invaluable contributions, and make continuous efforts to promote their leadership role across the sectors, ensuring they have every opportunity to excel and inspire,” he said.

LG Sinha also lauded the Army’s community engagements and development programme.

He said the Army was not only ensuring the unity and integrity of India with full alertness, but also continuously performing virtuous work of transforming the society.

GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava; GOC Victor Force Maj Gen Dhananjay Joshi; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; DIG South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, were also present on the occasion.