SRINAGAR, OCT 2: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday called for a renewed commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, self-reliance, dignity and social responsibility, saying these principles remain relevant even as society undergoes rapid technological and economic transformation.
Addressing a commemorative programme at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, Sinha said October 2 should not be viewed merely as another date on the calendar but as an opportunity for citizens to reflect on Gandhi’s life, his resistance to injustice, his emphasis on self-reliance and his commitment to living with dignity.
The Lieutenant Governor said Gandhi’s philosophy continues to offer a framework for addressing contemporary challenges. He highlighted the Mahatma’s belief in truth and non-violence, his emphasis on individual responsibility and his conviction that India possessed the potential to create opportunities for people with great aspirations.
Speaking about self-reliance, Sinha said Gandhi’s vision was never restricted to large-scale industries or major economic centres. It also included villages, local producers, workers, small industries and farmers, whose contribution, he said, remains essential to building a resilient and self-reliant economy.
Sinha said strengthening local production and connecting local producers with international markets could make a significant contribution towards building a self-reliant India. He added that creating an enabling environment and providing opportunities for local producers was an important responsibility of the government.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to Gandhi’s concept of trusteeship and public responsibility, saying the Mahatma consistently placed duties alongside rights. He said Gandhi’s philosophy encouraged individuals not only to demand their rights but also to recognise their responsibilities towards society and the larger public good.
Emphasising the importance of values among the younger generation, Sinha said character-building must remain a central priority in education and social development. He observed that knowledge and skills were important, but character remained one of the most enduring foundations of a stable and responsible society.
Quoting Gandhi’s emphasis on self-introspection, the Lieutenant Governor urged people to look within themselves rather than constantly questioning the conduct of others. He encouraged citizens to examine whether they were speaking the truth or spreading rumours, communicating with purpose or merely speaking, and contributing through hard work or avoiding responsibility.
Addressing young students at the programme, Sinha said the present generation had access to opportunities and technological resources that previous generations could not have imagined. Smartphones, artificial intelligence and instant access to vast amounts of information have transformed the way young people learn, communicate and participate in society, he said.
However, he stressed that technological advancement must remain guided by human values, ethical judgment and social responsibility. He urged students to use emerging technologies responsibly and in a manner that contributes positively to humanity, society, Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
The Lieutenant Governor also linked Gandhi’s philosophy with the broader national vision of a developed India by 2047, saying development should not be assessed solely through conventional economic indicators.
According to Sinha, the progress of a society cannot be measured merely by the number of high-rise buildings, the size of the economy or the expansion of infrastructure. The more meaningful measure of development, he said, is how many poor and marginalised people are brought into the mainstream and how many new opportunities are created for those who have historically remained on the margins.
He emphasised that inclusive development must remain at the heart of the country’s growth journey, with economic progress accompanied by greater opportunities, dignity and participation for weaker and disadvantaged sections of society.
The Gandhi Jayanti programme thus centred on the continued relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy in contemporary India, with the Lieutenant Governor calling for a balance between technological progress and human values, economic growth and social responsibility, and individual rights and civic duties.
