Jammu, March 7
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the infrastructure upgradation and beautification works at holy Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi District. The works were completed by JSW Group under its Corporate Social Responsibility. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Sajjan Jindal, CMD of JSW Group and his entire team for the historic endeavour. “I see this as a profound act of kindness for humanity’s shared heritage,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said since the 2023 MoU with JSW Group, we awaited this day and today, anticipation ends. “Shiv Khori’s awakening begins. We have not only upgraded infrastructure but fortified faith itself. I have always held a firm conviction that the light of spirituality must be readily accessible to every person in society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the infrastructure upgradation of Shiv Khori is an announcement that the holy shrines of our ancient tradition are being reawakened and restored to life. He said that, today, devotees’ perseverance bears fruit and we fulfilled the vibrant dreams of our ancestors who yearned for it. “Our strong belief in spirituality has guided every effort – from the historic upgradation for Baba Amarnath Yatra, to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s vision of transforming the entire region into a living spiritual corridor, to placing Shiv Khori firmly on the map of India’s great centers of devotion,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that it is his prime objective to make Jammu Kashmir a vibrant, breathing spiritual heart of the nation. “After five years of sustained efforts, I can say with quiet satisfaction-that dream is no longer distant. Today I say with deep confidence that after centuries, Jammu Kashmir is experiencing a genuine spiritual, cultural, and social renaissance. This Union Territory is re-emerging as a center of knowledge, art, music, and philosophy,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He said that the flame of tapas and dharma for which this land was once renowned across the world – we are relighting it with full conviction.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to create balance in inner and outer life. “This renaissance is for you. Come to the sacred shrines of this land and allow yourself to feel what centuries of unbroken devotion feel like when it meets you in silence. That energy does not belong to the past. It flows still- and it is yours to draw from,” he further said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted a series of upcoming facilities designed to enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims at visiting the holy Shri Shiv Khori shrine. “The new helipad is slated for completion this month. Heli-services for the devotees of Shri Shiv Khori is also expected to start from the month of April. To protect pilgrims from unpredictable weather and shooting stones, a protective track shed will also be completed soon.
The Lieutenant Governor also flagged off garbage collection vehicle donated by J&K Bank to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
