Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a reading marathon on the picturesque banks of Dal Lake, emphasizing that education must transcend the confines of textbooks and examination halls to become an integral part of daily life and social engagement. The event, organized by the National Book Trust as part of the ongoing Education Week, also served to commemorate six years of the National Education Policy’s implementation.
Addressing students from various colleges and universities across the Union Territory, Lieutenant Governor Sinha characterized the reading marathon as a potent symbol of collaborative learning and societal responsibility. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that he articulated a vision where learning extends beyond academic settings, permeating playgrounds and social spaces to foster a holistic approach to education. The marathon’s theme, “Run for a Green Future,” was highlighted by the Lieutenant Governor as a life philosophy, underscoring the parallel demands of knowledge acquisition and environmental stewardship, both requiring patience, discipline, and sustained collective endeavor.
The Lieutenant Governor further elaborated on the synergistic benefits of reading, physical activity, and environmental consciousness. He posited that reading enriches thought processes, running strengthens the body, and caring for nature cultivates a sense of conscience, collectively preparing society to confront future challenges. He urged the participants to embrace three key commitments: making reading a daily habit, actively practicing environmental conservation in their everyday lives, and transforming the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong dedication to societal betterment.
“Let the spirit of doing something good for society become a lifelong commitment,” Lieutenant Governor Sinha implored the assembled students. He stressed that passive reading alone is insufficient, asserting that true education lies in the practical application of learned knowledge. He drew a parallel between the ease of reading about climate change and the transformative act of participating in a five-kilometer run to spread environmental awareness and implement personal change. He declared that by choosing the path of action, the participants had achieved the greatest success of the Chinar Book Festival.
In a poignant address on the eve of Vijay Diwas, Lieutenant Governor Sinha paid tribute to the valor of young soldiers who participated in the Kargil War. He called upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to emulate their discipline, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to the nation. He recalled that many of the soldiers and officers who defended the country during the Kargil War were in their early twenties, citing the exemplary courage of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey, and Captain Anuj Nayyar as proof that young individuals, with proper guidance and motivation, can achieve historic feats.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed his hope that the Reading Marathon would effectively disseminate the message of prioritizing the nation, adopting a “Never Give Up” attitude, and embodying the values of discipline and leadership. He aimed to inspire every young person in Jammu and Kashmir to dedicate themselves to serving the nation, drawing a direct link between the spirit of the marathon and the broader call to national service. The event, therefore, aimed not only to promote reading and environmental awareness but also to instill a sense of patriotism and civic duty among the region’s youth.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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