Katra, September 28
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that mothers and sisters would play a significant role in India's development, while participating in Seva Parv celebrations that included a cleanliness drive, a women's health camp, and distribution of social welfare benefits.
Speaking to the media, Sinha said, "From September 17 to October 2, Seva Parv is being celebrated with great enthusiasm, and as part of that, today the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Reasi District Administration together organised a cleanliness drive, a health camp for women, and distribution of benefits to some beneficiaries of social welfare."
He added, "That's why I came here. I believe that just as Prime Minister Modi has promoted women's leadership development, I am confident that mothers and sisters will play an important role in India's development."
Earlier in the day, Lt Gen. Sinha inaugurated the Seva Parv at the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra.
The initiative marks the beginning of a fortnight-long campaign dedicated to public service, volunteerism, and community participation across the Union Territory.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that Seva Parv embodies the spirit of collective responsibility and selfless service. He added that launching this campaign from the revered shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi carries a symbolic message of devotion, duty, and commitment towards the welfare of society.
The Seva Parv, being observed from September 17 (PM Modi's birthday) to October 2, will include a series of activities focused on cleanliness drives, plantation, health camps, awareness programmes, and citizen engagement initiatives in every district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lt Governor also prayed for peace, prosperity, and well-being of all citizens, and called upon youth, community groups, and volunteers to actively participate in the campaign.
Marking World Tourism Day, a Heritage Walk was organised on Saturday in Katra to promote the traditional route leading to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
The walk was flagged off by SDM Katra, Piyush Dhotra, in the presence of the officials, local residents, and pilgrims.
Participants retraced the historic path that has been followed by devotees for centuries, highlighting its spiritual, cultural, and heritage value.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope this isn't just tokenism. We need concrete policies that actually help women in rural areas access education and healthcare, not just symbolic gestures.
The health camp for women is much needed, especially in remote areas. Hope they continue such initiatives throughout the year, not just during special campaigns.
As someone who visited Vaishno Devi last year, I'm happy to see the focus on cleanliness and heritage preservation. The shrine holds such spiritual significance for millions.
Our mothers and sisters have always been the pillars of our families. Recognizing their role in national development is long overdue. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
The Heritage Walk is a wonderful idea! Preserving our cultural routes while promoting tourism - this is the kind of balanced development we need. More such initiatives please!
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