LG Sinha Calls Kashmiri Pandits’ Return the “Truest Victory” at Global Conclave in Srinagar
Srinagar, June 13:(KNC)Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday attended the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave in Srinagar, describing the return of the Kashmiri Pandit community to their homeland as the “truest victory” and a defining moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation.
The landmark event brought together distinguished members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from across India and the global diaspora to celebrate the community’s journey of resilience, renaissance and return.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the conclave not only honoured the patience, perseverance and achievements of the Kashmiri Pandit community but also laid the foundation for their dignified return to the Valley.
“A moment of transformation is here. Those once uprooted from their homeland return and this homecoming is the truest victory,” LG Sinha said, adding that the presence of business leaders, corporate heads, technology entrepreneurs and cultural icons reflected growing confidence in the prevailing peace and administrative stability in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Recalling the hardships endured by the community, Sinha said the journey of Kashmiri Pandits had been marked by genocide, exile and struggle.
“The world once witnessed their wounds and now witnesses their triumph. The community refused to be defined by pain and suffering. Instead, they transformed that pain into strength,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged members of the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora to establish industries, educational institutions and cultural centres in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such initiatives would preserve their rich heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
He stressed that the contribution of the community was essential across sectors including industry, education, arts and spirituality.
“I believe the true measure of life lies in what we give back, in the hope we inspire and in the change we leave behind for society and the nation. That is the essence of meaningful service,” he said.
Referring to the events of the 1990s, Sinha said the world had witnessed the unimaginable brutality faced by Kashmiri Pandits when families were forced to abandon their homes and live in exile within their own country.
“Lives marked by pain and struggle offered only two choices—despair or rebuilding. They chose creation, rebuilding and selfless service, and in doing so made history. Carrying the weight of massacre, they never turned away from their purpose,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that adversity failed to break the spirit of the community, which went on to establish industries, build institutions, drive innovation and earn global recognition.
“Today, the Kashmiri Pandit community is celebrated for reaching new heights of success. The world honours their talent, leadership and contributions to humanity,” he added.
Describing the conclave as a significant step towards the revival of the community’s ancient glory, Sinha said discussions on establishing global industries and institutions in Jammu and Kashmir would serve as blueprints for cultural revival, economic empowerment and community restoration.
He further observed that the return of Kashmiri Pandits symbolised the emergence of a “new Jammu and Kashmir” after 2019.
“The strength of this new Jammu and Kashmir reflects your resolve and its hope reflects your vision. The region that witnessed pain and displacement has been transformed into a centre of reconstruction,” he said.
Highlighting the community’s achievements across technology, finance, medicine, arts and civil services, the Lieutenant Governor said their journey demonstrated that courage, determination and resilience remain humanity’s greatest strengths.
“I salute your courage, honour your steadfastness and appreciate your achievements. Together, we will ensure a future brighter than the past and restore the pride of the Kashmiri Pandit community for the welfare of all humanity,” he said.
Sinha also expressed confidence that the Kashmiri Pandit community would make a significant contribution towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat and play a vital role in India’s development journey.
The conclave featured several interactive sessions during which eminent speakers and prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community shared their experiences, perspectives and insights.
Among those present were Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, President of the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) Uphaar Kotru, International Coordinator of the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora Utpal Kaul, President of Kashmiri Pandit Association Mumbai Ashwani Bhat, President of All Minority Employees Association Kashmir Sanjay Koul, social activist and Organising Secretary of Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra Autar Krishan Trakroo, President of Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch Dileep Mattoo and President of Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj R.K. Bhat.
Senior officers from the police and civil administration, prominent citizens, youth representatives and a large number of members of the Kashmiri Pandit community also attended the conclave.(KNC)
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