 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 8: Senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, today reiterated that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ensuring that the benefits of good governance reach the last person in the remotest corners of Jammu & Kashmir.
He was addressing a Samagam organized to commemorate the Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Nabha Das Ji Maharaj. The event was organized by the All J&K Mahasha Sadar Sabha at Dogra Hall, Jammu, under the aegis of the Goswami Guru Nabha Dass Ji Maharaj Trust.
Surinder Choudhary attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Provincial President Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, was the Guest of Honour. The programme was presided over by Kali Dass Panotra, President of All J&K Mahasha Sadar Sabha. In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the rich spiritual heritage of Jammu & Kashmir, noting that the region's social, political, and cultural fabric has been profoundly shaped by sages and saints from diverse sects and faiths. He emphasized that their teachings promote unity, piety, penance, and love for humanity.
He further stated that the government under Omar Abdullah remains deeply conscious of this legacy and is working in an inclusive and unbiased manner to ensure welfare, development, and administrative ease for all, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. Reaffirming the party's ideological commitment, he said that the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, from the era of Sheikh Abdullah to the present leadership, has upheld the values of secularism and humanism. He stressed that the progress of Jammu & Kashmir depends on unity in diversity and equitable development.
On the occasion, Kali Dass Panotra submitted a memorandum of demands to the Deputy Chief Minister, seeking the construction of a Guru Nabha Dass Hostel for students of the Mahasha community, installation of a statue at Guru Nabha Dass Chowk, establishment of hostel facilities at the Guru Nabha Dass Temple for community members and visiting devotees, and relocation of the slaughterhouse situated opposite Dogra Hall Temple, citing longstanding religious and environmental concerns.
Responding to the demands, Surinder Choudhary assured that necessary provisions would be made for the construction works and that the other issues would be examined on priority. Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta paid rich tributes to Shri Guru Nabha Das Ji Maharaj and stated that the true tribute to such spiritual figures lies in fostering unity and harmony in society. He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by successive governments for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes, adding that the present government has reinvigorated efforts in this direction.
Others who were present included : Shamim Begum former DDC Nagrota, Pardeep Bali, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Man Mohan and others. |
