LG Sinha invokes Kargil heroes, calls for ‘Nation First’ spirit among J&K youth

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday invoked the spirit of the Kargil War heroes while urging Jammu and Kashmir’s youth to embrace discipline, leadership and a “Nation First” approach during a Reading Marathon organised at Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Flagging off the National Book Trust event to mark six years of the National Education Policy, Sinha said the marathon should inspire young people to cultivate reading habits, protect the environment and contribute positively to society, drawing lessons from the courage of India’s young soldiers.

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On the eve of Vijay Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor invoked the courage of young soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, reminding the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that discipline, leadership, and a “Nation First” attitude can create new history.

“Most of the soldiers and officers who defended the country in the Kargil War were young people aged 20 to 25. The stories of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey and Captain Anuj Nayyar make young people realise that with the right direction and spirit, the youth can create new history. I want the Reading Marathon to spread the thinking of ‘Nation First’, a ‘Never Give Up’ attitude, and the spirit of discipline and leadership, and to kindle the flame of national service in the heart of every youth in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Earlier, Sinha flagged off the Reading Marathon on the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy.

Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the Reading Marathon’s significance as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility.

“Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds and social spaces, and become a way of life. Today’s Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision,” he said.

The reading marathon carried the message “Run for a Green Future”. The Lieutenant Governor described this motto as a life philosophy. He emphasised that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort.

“Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also urged young participants to take three important pledges. He asked the youth to make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in society.

Dr Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener, Chinar Book Festival, and Dr Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., were among those present on the occasion.