LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off Reading Marathon
Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off a Reading Marathon along the banks of Dal Lake, calling on the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to make reading a daily habit and translate knowledge into action for the betterment of society.
The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week to mark six years of the National Education Policy (NEP), brought together thousands of students from colleges and universities across the Union Territory under the theme “Run for a Green Future.”
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said education should extend beyond classrooms and examinations to become an integral part of everyday life.
“Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces and become a way of life. Today’s Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision,” he said.
Describing the marathon’s theme as more than just a slogan, the Lieutenant Governor said it reflected a philosophy of life that combined learning, fitness and environmental stewardship.
“Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges,” he said.
Sinha urged young participants to take three pledges: to cultivate reading as a daily habit, adopt environmentally responsible practices in their everyday lives and carry forward the spirit of the marathon as a lifelong commitment to bringing positive change in society.
Emphasising that education is meaningful only when translated into action, he said merely reading books was not enough.
“True education is to put what you have read into practice. It is easy to read a book about climate change. But deciding to run five kilometres, spread the message of nature conservation and bring changes into one’s own life is real transformation,” he said.
He said the participants had chosen “the path of change,” calling it the greatest success of the Chinar Book Festival.
On the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor also invoked the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, urging young people to imbibe values of discipline, leadership and patriotism.
He noted that many of the soldiers and officers who defended the country during the conflict were between 20 and 25 years of age.
“The stories of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey and Captain Anuj Nayyar show that with the right direction and spirit, young people can create new history,” he said.
Sinha said he wanted the Reading Marathon to inspire a “Nation First” mindset, a “Never Give Up” attitude and a spirit of discipline and leadership among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I want the Reading Marathon to kindle the flame of national service in the heart of every young person in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing colleges and universities across the Union Territory.
Among those present were Chief Convener of the Chinar Book Festival Dr Amit Wanchoo, Bisleri International Pvt Ltd CEO Dr Angelo George, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, senior officials, members of the National Book Trust, heads of educational institutions, literary personalities, teachers and students.
Pays Tribute To Kargil War Heroes
Sinha on Saturday paid homage to the bravehearts of the Kargil War on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas, remembering the soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
In his message, the Lieutenant Governor bowed to the martyrs whose supreme sacrifice, he said, would continue to inspire generations.
“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard the sovereignty and honour of Maa Bharti during Operation Vijay. The extraordinary courage of our Armed Forces will forever inspire generations to come,” Sinha said.
“I also bow in deep reverence to the families of our fallen heroes. Their selfless dedication remains an enduring symbol of our ultimate national pride,” he added.