Jammu: Making a fervent appeal for shedding old baggage of hatred and mistrust, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today called for sincere efforts to herald a new era of understanding and harmony in South Asian region.
In his valedictory address at the culmination of 5-day South Asian Universities Youth Festival- Harmony 2006- here this morning, the Governor said that peace and harmony are imperative for prosperous South Asia that has much in common between the nation states.
With dense population and plethora of problems like ignorance, poverty and illiteracy, a collective effort is needed to steer the region on the path of progress and development, he said, adding that youth have a major role to play in this regard. He said that in an era when wars are considered to be monstrous, the youth of the region had to fight like soldiers the common enemy of disease, backwardness, poverty and illiteracy.
The Governor, who is also Chancellor of the host Jammu University, said that such festivals have immense significance in bringing about attitudinal change among the participants by enabling them to understand each other in a better way. ‘These events forge camaraderie between the people of different regions with diverse culture’, he said, hoping that they will return back to their homes as ambassadors of peace to spread love and amity. ‘If you are able to spread this message, this will be true achievement of Harmony-2006’, he told the participants.
General Sinha said that youth of various countries of the South Asian region presented a lot of enthusiasm and optimism and while being amidst them he was feeling 18 at the age of 81. Narrating some of his childhood anecdotes and limited avenues available to youth at that time, he said the world has changed fast and youth had optimum opportunities to get exposure on wider canvass. ‘Who could have envisioned such a change a century ago and who knows what future has in store for coming generations’, he said and added that much progress has been registered during 20th century.
He endorsed the suggestion of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was present on the occasion, for holding a similar festival in Srinagar this summer and even went ahead by saying that the day is not distant far when a world youth festival could be planned in the Valley. He described Harmony-2006 festival a brilliant idea that has been brilliantly executed.
The Governor had an advice for youth to enjoy these moments of togetherness for understanding each other in a better way to forge a lasting friendship. He exuded confidence that they will make South Asia a prosperous region of the world. (INF)

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