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Building a Self-Reliant J&K: How a Farmer Saint's Legacy Inspires Progress

LG Manoj Sinha has inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela in Jammu, marking the start of a major spiritual gathering. He emphasized following the ideals of farmer saint Baba Jittoo to build a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir. The event honors the 16th-century saint who sacrificed his life against landlord exploitation. The mela serves as both a spiritual tribute and an agricultural knowledge platform for farmers from multiple states.

Key Points: LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates Jhiri Mela for Prosperous J&K

  • LG Sinha inaugurated the 10-day Jhiri Mela honoring 16th-century farmer saint Baba Jittoo
  • The event features agricultural technology displays and government scheme information for farmers
  • New infrastructure including a pilgrim hall and bus stops were dedicated at the festival
  • Enhanced security measures are in place with J&K Police deployment for the large gathering
2 min read

Together we can build self-reliant J&K: L-G

LG Manoj Sinha inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela, urging people to follow Baba Jittoo's ideals to build a strong, secure, and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.

"Together, we can build a strong, secure, prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir - LG Manoj Sinha"

Jammu, Nov 4

J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday called upon people to follow the ideals of farmer saint, Baba Jittoo, so that together we can build a strong, secure, prosperous and self-reliant J&K.

The L-G inaugurated the 10-day annual Jhiri Mela, which is being held every year in Jammu, marking the commencement of one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the region.

“Today, I inaugurated the annual Jhiri Mela at Marh sub-division in Jammu. Paid obeisance to Baba Jittoo and Bua Kouri. Dedicated a pilgrim community hall and four modular bus stops, and laid the foundation stone for the first indoor sports complex under CSR at Marh,” the L-G said on X.

The event is being organised jointly by the Directorate of Tourism and the District Administration to pay tribute to 16th-century farmer saint Baba Jittoo.

According to popular belief, Baba Jittoo, a humble farmer, sacrificed his life in defiance of an unjust landlord’s exploitation. His daughter, Bua Kouri, later immolated herself on his funeral pyre in an act of devotion and grief.

“Together, we can build a strong, secure, prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir,” the L-G said.

Hundreds of farmers and pilgrims from Jammu region, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana have already arrived to participate in the fair, which is being held from November 4 to 13.

Agriculture Department participation in the Mela serves as a vital platform to enhance farmers’ knowledge, exposure and engagement with new technologies and government schemes, while paying tribute to Baba Jittoo’s enduring legacy.

Security has been intensified with the deployment of J&K Police and security forces in and around the Mela.

Devotees also visit Baba-da-Talab, a natural pond believed to have healing properties, located a few kilometres from the Baba Jitto Shrine.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The indoor sports complex is a much-needed facility for youth in Marh area. Good to see development reaching rural Jammu. Hope similar initiatives come to other districts too.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the sentiment, I hope the focus on self-reliance translates into concrete job opportunities for local youth. Tourism and agriculture alone cannot solve unemployment.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Jhiri Mela last year, it's heartwarming to see the spiritual significance and community bonding. The new facilities will definitely enhance the pilgrim experience.
K
Kavya N
Baba Jittoo's legacy of fighting exploitation is exactly what our farmers need to remember today. The Agriculture Department's participation in mela is a good step for farmer empowerment.
V
Vikram M
Good to see security arrangements in place. Large gatherings need proper planning. Hope the mela concludes peacefully and becomes a model for other cultural events in J&K.

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