Baramulla, Jul 29, 2025: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the Indian Army was not safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation but was also serving as the custodian of the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.
LG Sinha stated that India's great culture was characterized by unity in diversity during the celebration of Kashur Riwaa 2025, a massive event that celebrated Kashmiri culture at the Indoor Stadium in Baramulla. He said that the Indian Army had consistently worked to harness this power for societal benefit by creating opportunities for youth to strengthen national unity through literature, music, art, and sports.
“The Indian Army is not safeguarding the nation’s unity and integrity but also actively serving as a custodian of this vibrant cultural heritage of the region and consistently striving to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our youth,” the LG said.
He declared, "I salute the dedication and commitment of our Army." Over 20,000 young men and women from Baramulla created a world record by performing the Largest Ladishah performance at the ‘Kashur Riwaaj 2025’ cultural festival.
The event was organised by the Dagger Division of Chinar Corps in collaboration with the district administration of Baramulla to revive the vibrant traditions of Kashmir through traditional dances, music, calligraphy, and cultural activities.
In the meantime, LG Sinha congratulated 20,000 Baramulla youth for setting a world record and making history. “By coming together for Ladishah and calligraphy, you have set a new world record. He asserted, "This achievement will inspire all segments of society to reconnect with their heritage, embrace their culture, and uphold their values." In addition to the main event at Prof Showkat Ali Indoor Stadium, the event was also conducted simultaneously at 162 locations throughout the district, streamed live to the audience, ensuring widespread participation and engagement of youth.
In the meantime, the LG commended the Baramulla district administration and the Indian Army for their admirable efforts. He stated, "We are working to align the aspirations of youth of Jammu Kashmir with the nation's aspirations" and reiterated the commitment of the Centre and J&K administration to empower J&K youth. He said that in the past, Pakistan-backed terrorism and separatism robbed J&K of peace, progress, and the youth’s aspirations.
However, J&K is currently making rapid progress. Youth's hopes and dreams can only flourish in a peaceful setting. Today, people of J&K have all stood against the terror and terrorist activities,” he said.
LG Sinha thanked the Army, paramilitary forces, and police for carrying out "Operation Mahadev," in which three Pakistani terrorists who were involved in the heinous Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 were eliminated in the Dachigam forest. He urged young people to transcend language, sect, and religion in order to collectively combat those who propagate public unrest. “There are disturbing elements in society who attempt to justify terrorism and the killing of innocent lives and try to hold hostage the aspirations and dreams of lakhs of youth. Such individuals need to be unmasked,” he said.
In order to combat the drug problem and reintegrate drug-addicted youth into society, the LG sought the support of the younger generation. He also announced the Guru-Shishya Parampara programme of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and a calligraphy course in collaboration with the JKAACL and the University of Kashmir (KU).
“J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages with KU is going to launch six-month and one-year certificate and diploma courses in calligraphy,” he said.
On the occasion, Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary of Culture, Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, GoC 19 Infantry Division, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, DIG North Kashmir, Maqsood-ul-Zaman, and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, were also present.