JAMMU: “Vande Mataram is our identity, strength, and vow. It is not just verses but a profound experience woven into our civilization’s fabric. Vande Mataram singing and related events revive memories of immortal martyrs, honor their sacrifices, and renew our commitment to India’s glory,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday.
He called upon every section of society to share one dream—making India the world’s greatest nation.
“We must unite to realize it. When every citizen of J&K UT dedicates themselves to building a developed India, I believe that collective spirit will become an unstoppable force,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the closing ceremony of the special phase marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The special phase was organised from March 23 to March 30, 2026, to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honour the martyrs of the freedom struggle whose sacrifices paved the way for India’s independence.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the devotion and fervour in Jammu Kashmir towards Vande Mataram reflects how the Union Territory has moved beyond painful chapters and embraced the ideals strengthened over the past five to six years.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu Kashmir has been integrated into the national mainstream, setting new benchmarks in development and showcasing profound patriotism through pivotal events like Vande Mataram and Har Ghar Tiranga,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The nation witnessed Jammu Kashmir’s strong contribution during the previous phases of the Vande Mataram @150 years commemorative event. In the first phase (November 7–14, 2025), nine of India’s top 10 performing districts were from the UT, with Kishtwar ranking first. In the second phase (January 19–26, 2026), six districts were from Jammu Kashmir, led by Poonch.
The Lieutenant Governor said the overwhelming participation of people of Jammu Kashmir in the previous two phases of the Vande Mataram event and their embrace of its values signal a transformative power for the future.
“I firmly believe a region’s greatest strength lies in its ability to envision its future. In Jammu Kashmir, I’m witnessing that potential flourish. It’s vital to spread the message that true patriotism is the bedrock of peace and progress. It’s a sense of responsibility, a spirit of contribution, assuring us that we can better the world together,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Vande Mataram symbolised the dream, goal, and resolve generations fought for and that the week-long phase offered moments to reflect at the confluence of history and aspiration, paying tribute to sacrifices that secured today’s freedom, unity, and pride.
“Vande Mataram inspires us to honor our past, empower our present, and pledge a bright future. This was a UT-level introspection, reviving cultural roots through public participation and enlisting every citizen in nation-building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the past decade witnessed global turmoil and crises, from Ukraine to West Asia, affecting many nations. Yet, under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister, India has remained resilient, sustaining its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
“Prime Minister works tirelessly, round-the-clock, for the nation’s welfare. Let us draw strength from his resolve and stride shoulder-to-shoulder toward a strong, prosperous India,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also called upon political parties, civil society members, and all sections of society to join the fight against the drug menace and transform the Nasha Mukt campaign into a people’s movement in Jammu Kashmir.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their historic contributions.
The event featured patriotic performances by artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu.
Members of Legislative Assembly Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretaries Shaleen Kabra and Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma; Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma; vice chancellors of various universities and senior officials were present.
Padma Shri awardees Dr Jitendra Udhampuri and Dr S P Varma, along with prominent citizens and youth in large numbers, also attended the closing ceremony organised by the Culture Department.