LG pays homage to Kargil War heroes

Srinagar, July 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday paid tributes and dedicated this month’s edition of the ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ programme to Kargil War heroes.

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is the saga of magnificent heroism, indomitable courage, and the spirit of supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. I pay homage to the martyrs and express my gratitude towards valiant soldiers for keeping the nation safe on the road to progress,” the LG said.

He recalled the valour and supreme sacrifice of Jammu’s Maj Ajay Singh Jasrotia, Sub Bahadur Singh, and Hav Madan Lal; Kathua’s Sep Rajinder Singh; Sopore’s Lance Naik Ghulam Muhammad Khan; Kupwara's Ravinder Singh and Muhammad Khan, and countless other bravehearts of Kargil War.

“Let us bow our heads in gratitude for those valiant soldiers and officers of J&K who fought bravely in the inhospitable terrain and conquered the enemy. Their bravery will forever live on in our hearts and inspire us,” the LG said.

Sharing the inspirational stories of change makers, he commended Ganderbal’s Bilal Bhat for his selfless service and awareness campaign on vital issues at the grassroots level in empowering citizens.

“Bhat is seen as a beacon of hope and agent of change by the community members,” the LG said.

He appreciated the Keegam Youth Trust, an initiative by 180 youngsters from Shopian, for silently transforming Swachh Abhiyan into a Jan Abhiyan.

“With strong grit and determination, these youngsters have managed to garner unprecedented support from the community,” the LG said.

He made a special mention of Sandeep Singh Chib of Ramban who is on a mission to nurture promising boxers and inspire the youth to chase their dreams and become champions along the way.

The LG extended his best wishes to Shariq Yasir of Kulgam, one of the youngest shining stars in J&K’s sporting arena, for a stellar sporting career.

During this month’s programme, he also shared the inspiring journey of Srinagar’s first female e-rickshaw driver Kounsar Jan, Anita Devi from Rajouri, Pulwama’s Rubina Bano, and Kupwara’s Shahida Khaliq.

“Srinagar’s first female e-rickshaw driver Kounsar Jan is rewriting the rules. Her unprecedented feat inspires others to break barriers and overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams,” the LG said.

He lauded the efforts of Anita Devi and her all-women Self-Help Group, who have encouraged women-related enterprises and steered change in Rajouri.

The LG highlighted the contribution of Rubina Bano of Pulwama in reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape in the district.

He said the foray of Rubina Bano in the dairy sector is generating buzz among entrepreneurs.

“Young librarian Shahida Khaliq is leaving a lasting impression on the youth of the twin towns of Kupwara and Handwara,” the LG said.

He said that her dedication would empower every citizen, especially the youth to enjoy the real fruits of education.

The efforts of Retired Havildar Raj Kumar from Reasi towards environmental conservation and the endeavour of Kashmir’s Sabzar Ahmad and Syed Nadeem in providing necessary training to women from rural areas for entrepreneurship and empowering them as equal stakeholders in the J&K’s economy received a special mention from the LG.

He highlighted the valuable suggestions received from Jammu’s Ishtiaq Ahmad and Kulgam’s Idrees Ahmed; Shabnam Singh from Kathua; Rayees Ahmad Bhat from Anantnag and Kathua’s Radhika Mahajan about the segregation in waste collection and management, bringing behavioural change towards waste management, formulating anti-drug committee in the villages and urban wards and linking digital activism and women's empowerment.

The LG also assured necessary intervention on the suggestions received from Colonel B D Sharma from Jammu and Inspector Sohan Singh from Udhampur on various strategies to promote literature on war heroes.