JAMMU, SEPT 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched the book “Sardar Patel and Kashmir: The Untold History”, paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in nation-building and underlining the need for historical narratives rooted in truth and impartiality.
The Lieutenant Governor described Sardar Patel as the “architect of modern India” and credited his political resolve and organisational ability with helping integrate 562 princely states into a united India.
Referring to Patel’s position on Jammu Kashmir, Sinha recalled his assertion that the country would not surrender even an inch of Jammu Kashmir’s territory.
Sinha said Patel’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” continues to reflect India’s unity in diversity and democratic ethos.
He also stated that, had Patel been entrusted with the responsibility for Jammu Kashmir, “perhaps the problems that the people here endured for more than six decades would not have arisen.”
Highlighting the significance of the newly launched book, the Lieutenant Governor described it as an attempt to revisit history with honesty and impartiality.
He urged writers and researchers to treat history as a “mirror of truth” rather than an instrument of glorification and encouraged the younger generation to draw lessons from past decisions.
Sinha also linked the August 2019 abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A with what he described as the fulfilment of Sardar Patel’s “unfinished dream”.
He said the constitutional changes opened new possibilities in education, employment, entrepreneurship and development, and described the move as contributing to the psychological and emotional integration of Jammu Kashmir.
Outlining four priorities for Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor stressed peace through zero tolerance towards terrorism, accelerated development through infrastructure and connectivity, youth empowerment through the digital economy and startup ecosystem, and revival of cultural heritage to strengthen tourism and human values.
He envisioned Srinagar, Jammu and other cities of the Union Territory emerging as centres of education, trade and innovation, and described the book as a “lighthouse” illuminating Patel’s vision of a united and confident India.
Sinha also expressed gratitude to Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan Ji and commended the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan for its contributions to spiritual upliftment, education and humanitarian service. He congratulated Dr. Rizwan Kadri for editing and publishing the work.
Acharya Shree Jitendriyapriyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairperson Kishor Makwana, Dr. Rizwan Kadri, Swami Bhagwat Priya Das Ji, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, senior officials, literary personalities and office-bearers of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan attended the book launch ceremony.
