Jammu, Jan 25: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Sunday graced the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the officers to cultivate awareness among citizens regarding profound power of their franchise and motivate them to exercise it with thoughtful prudence to become a true architect of a strong, fair and flourishing India. “Every ballot cast becomes foundational to our nation's edifice. Thus, elections represent far more than present-day choices- they embody our sacred duty to posterity, to collective destiny, and to democratic resilience. The franchise reinforces accountability, transparency, and governmental responsiveness. I firmly believe a vote is the potent expression of citizen aspiration, conviction, and purpose. Jammu and Kashmir must never forget: democracy's essence lies in this-our collective will alone determine our nation's path,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that every vote holds the power to shape policies, institutions, and national direction. He said, when exercised responsibly, the ballot becomes our most potent tool for determining the nation's destiny. “India, the world's largest democracy, has reached remarkable heights while championing equality and harmony. Our democratic foundations are unmatched in depth and strength. Though many nations won freedom when we did, democracy has thrived most vigorously on Indian soil,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated youth and citizens who, after decades, received their first complete opportunity to exercise their franchise.   He also commended the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Office of J&K for historic 2024 Lok Sabha and J&K Legislative Assembly elections.  “In Jammu Kashmir, trust in democracy has solidified and democratic values resonate deeply. Unprecedented electoral participation in 2024 confirms that citizens view voting as a duty, not mere right,” the Lieutenant Governor said. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor administered the National Voters’ Day pledge to the officials and the people. The Lieutenant Governor felicitated District Election Officers from across J&K, senior officials of Civil and Police administration, Youth icons and other stakeholder departments. He also distributed Electors Photo Identity Cards among the new voters. The celebrations were marked by enthralling performances from artists, members of social organisations and youth. Their creative depictions of the importance of voting received special appreciation from the Lieutenant Governor.   The event also featured a video message from the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar. J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretaries- Shaleen Kabra and Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Chief Electoral Officer J&K Sanjeev Verma, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar besides, senior officials of Police and civil administration, prominent citizens and youth in large number were present.

Srinagar, Jan 25: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday extended his Republic Day greetings to the people of J&K. “On the auspicious and momentous occasion of the 77th Republic Day of our beloved nation, I convey my heartfelt greetings and sincere good wishes to every citizen of UT of Jammu & Kashmir," LG Sinha in a message said. "I bow in reverence to the visionary architects of our Republic, whose exceptional wisdom, courage, and sacrifice won us freedom and gifted us a constitution rooted in the timeless ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity," he said. He said these enduring principles and values uphold our ethos and reinforce the democratic and socialist ideals that define our nation. "I extend my warm salutations to our dedicated workers, farmers, doctors, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, teachers, students, youth, women, businesspersons, artists, writers, industry leaders and volunteers of civil society," Manoj Sinha said. He said through their steadfast commitment and tireless efforts, they continue to fortify our democracy and drive holistic progress across the Union Territory. "I offer special commendation to the brave personnel of our armed forces, paramilitary forces, and the Jammu & Kashmir Police. Their unwavering vigilance, courage, and sacrifice stand as a shield for our people, enabling us to live in an atmosphere of peace, security, and harmony," LG Sinha said. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to all members of the armed forces, police, paramilitary units, and civil administration who upheld the nation’s pride through their duty, dedication, and bravery during Operation Sindoor. "Following the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor emerged as a defining moment in India’s national security doctrine. India made it unequivocally clear that any terrorist attack on its soil would be treated as an act of war," he said. LG Sinha said that Operation Sindoor was not merely a military action but a declaration of India’s strategic resolve. "I also commend exemplary courage and professionalism displayed by the personnel of Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and the CRPF," he said. He said through Operation Mahadev, personnel of Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and the CRPF eliminated the three Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack and delivered justice for the dignity of our mothers and sisters. "I further appreciate the Jammu & Kashmir Police for uncovering a nationwide terror network last October- November and preventing several attacks in time. They are India’s true heroes, and I am proud of them," LG Sinha in his message said. "With renewed purpose and collective determination, let us commit ourselves to guiding Jammu & Kashmir towards greater heights of development and prosperity," he said. He said we must harness and consolidate our collective strengths to accelerate economic progress with unwavering determination. "By reinforcing our established areas of excellence and creating robust, future-ready infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir, we must also pursue with courage and consistency the new and emerging engines of growth," he said. He said our institutions of higher education must prepare themselves for a future driven by constant innovation, technological proficiency, and a dynamic entrepreneurial ethos. "Let us set our sights on a leadership role in the knowledge-based economy and in information technology. Let us resolve to ensure that every citizen, especially our youth and women, has fair access to quality education, healthcare, and equal opportunities to fully realise their potential," LG Sinha said. "May each one of us rise to our responsibilities with sincerity and selflessness, working for the greater good of society. Together, let us reaffirm our steadfast dedication to building a strong, prosperous, and developed India."

Srinagar, Jan 25: Bringing laurels, Senior Under Officer (SUO) Arpun Deep Kour of 3 J&K BN of National Cadet Corps (NCC) from Baramulla was awarded with the prestigious Raksha Mantri Padak by Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh. She was felicitated during the ongoing Republic Day Camp (RDC)-2026 at New Delhi. Kour has been honoured for her exemplary duty, service and discipline displayed during Operation Sindoor where she coordinated and executed relief activities in Baramulla district for displaced population of border villages of North Kashmir. She provided timely assistance and relief to them with compassion and dignity. Her selfless leadership during this period exemplified the values of discipline, teamwork, humanitarian service and keeping ‘Nation First’ even at the cost of own comfort. Her impeccable conduct, patience, sincerity, and dedication to noble causes has inspired NCC Cadets to build a better future for themselves and for the nation. "Through her outstanding contribution, SUO Arpun Deep Kour has not only upheld but also enhanced the prestige of the National Cadet Corps and the entire Kashmir Valley," the official handout reads

Srinagar, Jan 25: Eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Shauq on Sunday was named among the recipients of the Padma Shri Award 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his outstanding contribution to education, language and literature. Expressing happiness over the recognition, Prof Shauq said it was a moment of great joy to see his name among those who have truly made a difference in society. “I have received many awards and honours in the past, but the Padma Shri is given to very few individuals who have excelled in different fields of life. Being counted among them is a matter of immense pride,” he said. He said that he was informed early in the morning over phone and that the officials were well aware of his literary work and books. “I never wrote for awards or recognition. I simply accepted whatever came my way,” he added. Prof Shauq has authored dozens of books in English and Kashmiri, including works on poetry, history, dictionaries and grammars. He has also received several international awards for his poetic contributions. “This honour holds a special place as his name now stands alongside legendary literary figures such as Akhtar Mohiuddin and Rehman Rahi, who were earlier conferred with the Padma Shri,” he said.  With academic background in science and English, Prof Shauq devoted over five decades to Kashmiri language and literature.  He served as a professor at the University of Kashmir for more than three decades, teaching Kashmiri literature and guiding students and research scholars. “If my work helps students and researchers, that itself is a great achievement for me,” he said. He highlighted the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge, noting that he frequently receives queries from across the country and abroad about Kashmiri names of plants, flowers and insects. “Languages are shaped by such knowledge. Poetry is important, but research and information-based writing are equally essential,” he added. He reaffirmed his love for poetry and said his recent focus has been on comprehensive scholarly works, including books on the history of the Kashmiri language. “People read these works, and that gives me happiness. I encourage poets to write what they know and contribute something meaningful for future generations,” he said. Prof Shauq urged the young writers them to move beyond poetry alone and engage with research-based writing. “Writers often complain that people don’t read them. My question is—are you writing something that people feel the need to read?” he said, encouraging authors to write on subjects like flora, fauna, environment and local knowledge. (KNO)