STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Sunday emphasised that Accession Day is a celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s eternal bond with India, a day that reminds every citizen of the farsighted leadership, patriotism, and courage of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, whose historic decision ensured that Jammu and Kashmir became an inseparable part of Bharat. “On this sacred day, we bow in reverence to Maharaja Hari Singh Ji – a visionary monarch and true nationalist – whose determination, wisdom, and love for his people guided Jammu and Kashmir towards unity, progress, and national integration,” the Lt Governor said while addressing the ‘Adhivilan Utsav – 2025’ organised by Samadhaan Foundation in Jammu to mark the historic occasion of Accession Day – the day when Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, took the momentous decision to accede to the Union of India in 1947.
The Lt Governor described Maharaja Hari Singh Ji as a reformer, moderniser and symbol of India’s unity, who rose above political compulsions to act in the best interest of his people and the nation. “His decision to sign the Instrument of Accession was not merely a political act but a pledge to uphold India’s civilisational and cultural ethos. It was an affirmation that Jammu and Kashmir’s destiny lies with India,” he added.
Recalling the Maharaja’s remarkable contributions, the Lt Governor said that his reign laid the foundation of a modern and progressive Jammu and Kashmir. “He introduced landmark reforms in education, justice, and social welfare, promoted women’s empowerment, abolished child marriage, and worked for equality and justice at a time when such measures were rare,” he noted. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Lt Governor said that India is not merely a piece of land, but a living entity that we revere as Bharat Mata. He said that the accession of Jammu and Kashmir completed the nation’s spiritual and civilizational unity, fulfilling the idea of Bharat as a living motherland, not just a geographical entity. “The Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh Ji was an act of faith – a declaration that Jammu and Kashmir would always remain an inseparable part of India’s soul,” he said.
Highlighting the historical neglect faced by Ladakh, the Lt Governor highlighted that for decades, the people of Ladakh faced discrimination and developmental deprivation despite their immense contribution to national unity and security. “For years, Ladakh remained ignored in policy priorities, its people struggling for representation and recognition,” he said.
He emphasised that this discrimination ended under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who ensured justice and empowerment for Ladakh through the abrogation of Article 370 and the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory. “This historic step corrected a long-standing injustice and gave Ladakh the rightful opportunity to chart its own path of progress and prosperity,” he said.
The Lt Governor said that unprecedented development is now being witnessed in Ladakh, with projects worth thousands of crores underway in infrastructure, tourism, renewable energy, and education sectors. “The completion of the world class Zojila Tunnel project will further transform connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen economic growth in the region,” he said, adding that Ladakh is emerging as a model of sustainable development and ecological balance. The Lt Governor emphasised that the Union Territory Administration is fully committed to the vision of an ‘Akhand Bharat’ – a strong, united, and inclusive India where every region prospers equally. “From the Himalayas of Ladakh to the plains of Jammu and the valleys of Kashmir, we are bound together by a shared history, culture, and national spirit. The dream of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, of a united and empowered Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, is now taking shape under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” he said.
Kavinder Gupta also commended the Samadhaan Foundation for organizing Adhivilan Utsav and said such events play a vital role in reconnecting the younger generation with the region’s glorious Dogra legacy. “This celebration is not only about remembering our history but also about inspiring the youth to build the future with the same sense of pride and dedication,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Lt Governor said, “Maharaja Hari Singh Ji’s decision of accession was not just a historical event – it was a declaration of faith in India’s unity. Let us pledge to uphold his legacy by making Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh symbols of peace, development, and harmony.”
During the programme, artists of Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages also presented a captivating cultural performance celebrating Dogra Heritage, Art & culture.
Among others who addressed the programme included Pawan Sharma, Chairperson, Samadhaan Foundation; MLA Yudhvir Sethi, Dr. Meenakshi Kilam, Bhai Kusum Hindu and members of civil society were also present.