“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 revives memories of immortal martyrs, honors their sacrifices, and renews our commitment to India's glory,” the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said this 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 Special Phase marking the 150 years of Vande Mataram, at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The Special Phase organised from 23rd March to 30th March 2026 to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas and honor the great martyrs of the freedom struggle, whose immense sacrifices paved the way for India's independence.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the devotion and fervor in Jammu Kashmir towards Vande Matram, reflects how this Union Territory has shed painful chapters, embracing the ideals we have toiled for over the last five-six years.
“Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, 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 stellar contribution during the previous phases of Vande Mataram @150 years commemorative event. In the first phase (November 7-14, 2025), 9 of India's top 10 performing districts were from UT, with Kishtwar at Number 1.
In the second (January 19-26, 2026), 6 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 Vande Mataram event and 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 symbolized the dream, goal, and resolve generations fought for and the special week-long phase offered moments to reflect at the confluence of history and aspiration, paying tribute to countless sacrifices that grant us 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 brought global turmoil and crises from Ukraine to West Asia plagued most nations, yet, under the able leadership and guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister, India has emerged resilient, sustaining its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy.
“Hon'ble 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 the political parties, civil society members and all sections of society to join the fight against drug menace and transform Nasha Mukt campaign into People's Movement in Jammu Kashmir.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to the great freedom fighters and visited a photo exhibition depicting their historic contributions. The atmosphere was further enriched by the enthralling patriotic performances by the artists of J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and students of Cluster University of Jammu.
Members of Legislative Assembly, Shri Yudhvir Sethi, Shri Vikram Randhawa and Shri Arvind Gupta; Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretaries, Shri Shaleen Kabra and Shri Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Culture, Shri Brij Mohan Sharma; Commissioner Secretary, School Education, Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Vice Chancellors of various universities and senior officials were present.
Padma Shri Dr Jitendra Udhampuri; Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; prominent citizens from different walks of life and youth in large number also attended the closing ceremony organised by Culture department.