Srinagar, June 13: Asserting that the time has come for Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the future of a transformed Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the community’s journey from displacement to global success stands as a remarkable example of courage, resilience and determination.
Addressing the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave: From Exile to Excellence at SKICC here, LG Sinha said the gathering marked a historic moment and reflected both the achievements of the Kashmiri Pandit community and its enduring bond with its homeland.
“I see before me the sons and daughters of this soil. We are witnessing a historic moment in Srinagar,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said Kashmir had witnessed the pain of the community’s displacement and was now witnessing its resurgence and renewed confidence.
Referring to the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, LG Sinha said the community endured immense suffering and was uprooted from its homeland overnight, but refused to allow adversity to define its future.
“The Kashmiri Pandit community suffered deeply during the 1990s. Families were displaced overnight, but despite the pain and uncertainty, they chose not to surrender to despair,” he said.
The LG said the community faced two choices after displacement with one of hopelessness and defeat and another of rebuilding and service to society.
“The easier path was despair, but you chose reconstruction, hard work and service. You transformed your struggle into strength and your pain into purpose,” he said.
Sinha said the real victory of the community lay in preserving its identity, culture and traditions despite decades of displacement.
“The true triumph is that you did not allow your villages, traditions and identity to fade away. Instead, you turned them into a source of strength and inspiration,” he said.
Describing the conclave as a message of hope, Sinha said many members of the community who once faced displacement were today returning to engage with their homeland with renewed confidence.
“Those who were rendered shelterless and displaced are today returning with confidence. This itself sends a powerful message of hope and renewal,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said Kashmiri Pandits never sought sympathy despite immense hardship and instead contributed significantly to nation-building across various fields. “You did not ask for sympathy. Even in adversity, you enriched the nation through your contributions in education, administration, arts, literature, science and public service,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction over the achievements of the community, LG Sinha said Kashmiri Pandits had excelled across India and the world while remaining deeply connected to their roots.
“It gives me immense happiness that members of the community are achieving excellence across the country and globally while preserving their heritage and identity,” he said.
Quoting India’s civilisational values and traditions, the LG said courage and perseverance had remained central to the character of the Kashmiri Pandit community. “This gathering is a celebration of your courage, determination and unwavering spirit. The entire nation salutes a community that refused to bow before adversity,” he said.
LG Sinha said the conclave was also a reflection of growing confidence in Jammu and Kashmir’s future and security environment.
“This gathering sends a strong message that faith in the future of Jammu and Kashmir has strengthened. The time has come to rebuild old bonds and reconnect with our shared heritage,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said discussions at the conclave were not merely symbolic but represented a roadmap for economic empowerment, social participation and cultural revival.
“The deliberations here are not just discussions; they provide a framework for economic empowerment, social rejuvenation and the restoration of a vibrant community life,” he said.
He said many people once believed the displaced community would never be able to return or re-establish itself, but its resilience had proven otherwise. “Many thought the community would never recover from displacement. Yet through determination, leadership and perseverance, you kept alive the dream of return and renewal,” he said.
Highlighting the accomplishments of Kashmiri Pandits, Sinha said the community had produced distinguished scholars, civil servants, artists, intellectuals and policymakers who contributed significantly to the country’s progress.
“You have produced thinkers, scholars and visionaries who shaped national discourse and contributed immensely to nation-building,” he said.
The LG said the country and the world today were celebrating the achievements of the community and paying tribute to its indomitable spirit. “Today, the nation celebrates your achievements and salutes a spirit that refused to surrender despite tremendous suffering,” he said.
Calling the conclave a “grand confluence of countless stories of courage”, Sinha said a new Jammu and Kashmir was emerging and the Kashmiri Pandit community would have a vital role in shaping its future.
“A new Jammu and Kashmir has emerged. Its strength, aspirations and future are closely linked with your participation and contribution,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the success achieved by members of the community across the world could never be separated from their roots in Kashmir. “Wherever you may live across the country or the world, your success remains connected to your roots and heritage,” he said.
Describing the conclave as a bridge between generations, Sinha said it connected those who endured displacement with younger generations carrying forward the legacy of resilience and identity.
“This gathering connects generations and ensures that the memories, sacrifices and aspirations of the community continue to inspire the future,” he said.
The LG said society must stand united against the tragedy of displacement and work collectively towards justice, dignity and reconciliation. “It is a reminder that we must stand together against the pain of displacement and work towards justice, dignity and lasting reconciliation,” he said.
Paying tribute to the community’s resilience, LG Sinha said he personally saluted its courage and determination. “I bow to your courage and salute your unwavering resolve. Your journey is ultimately a journey towards homecoming, and I believe that homecoming is a shared commitment,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged members of the community to establish institutions in Jammu and Kashmir and actively participate in the Union Territory’s development. “I want you to build institutions, nurture talent and contribute to the growth of Jammu and Kashmir. Your experience and knowledge are invaluable for the future of this land,” he said.
LG Sinha said the true measure of life was not personal success alone but the contribution one leaves behind for society and future generations.
“The real meaning of a meaningful life lies in how much better we leave our society and motherland for those who come after us,” he said.
He added that India’s ongoing cultural resurgence and its journey towards becoming a developed nation would be strengthened by the contribution and participation of every community, including Kashmiri Pandits.
“India’s civilisational resurgence and the vision of a developed nation will be enriched by your participation, contribution and leadership,” he said. (KNO)
