Lieutenant Governor Inaugurates Annual Jhiri Mela

JAMMU : “Preserving cultural heritage is crucial for rapid economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday. He said cultural traditions, arts, crafts, and customs should be passed on to the younger generation through active participation in cultural-spiritual events and skill development that will open up employment opportunities as well. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the inauguration of annual Jhiri Mela at Marh Sub-Division in Jammu District.
“Community participation in governance should be ensured to promote accountability, improve service delivery, and foster a more inclusive and transparent governance to understand citizens’ needs and accordingly formulate new policies,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance to Baba Jitto and Bua Kauri. “Baba Jitto is a universal symbol of public welfare, transcending sectarian divides. His values of truth, non-violence, and brotherhood strengthen society and make the Jhiri Mela a celebration of multiculturalism and social harmony. I believe real tribute to Baba Jitto is to ensure that benefits of government schemes reach every farmer,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the people to take a pledge to embrace the path of selfless- service and work towards a just and equal society as envisioned by Baba Jitto.
He also exhorted the officials and public representatives to work collectively to provide markets to local artisans, craftsmen, and traders.
“Together we can make a strong, secure, prosperous and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir,” he further said.
The Lieutenant Governor also praised the farming community of Jammu Kashmir for their resilience and contribution to the society and reaffirmed his commitment for their welfare.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor dedicated a pilgrim community hall and 4 modular bus stops and laid foundation stone for the first ‘Indoor Sports Complex’ under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Marh Sub-Division.
He visited the stalls put up by the government departments, Agri-entrepreneurs, SHGs and farmers, and also felicitated progressive farmers. The event also featured vibrant cultural performances highlighting the rich culture and artistic heritage of Jammu Kashmir.
The pilgrim community hall inaugurated today will continue to function as a dedicated Pilgrim Rest Hall throughout the year. It will also host religious, cultural, and community awareness programmes, making it a hub for social and spiritual engagement.
To improve transportation and ease of access for devotees, four modular bus stops have been constructed at Jhiri Chowk, Rajpura Chowk, Bawa Talab Chowk, and Kanachak Chowk. It will also strengthen the connectivity and accessibility to the Jhiri Temple and other adjoining rural clusters.
The Indoor Sports Complex in Marh Sub-Division is expected to be completed within four months, marking a new era for sports promotion and talent development in the area.The facility will include two Badminton Courts, dedicated Judo, Taekwondo, and Karate Rings, two Ten-Metre Air Rifle Shooting Ranges, two Table Tennis Tables, facilities for Chess and Carrom, a Reading Room and Recreation Zone.
Shri Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council Jammu; Shri Surinder Kumar, Member of Legislative Assembly from Marh; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu-Samba- Kathua Range, Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, senior officials, devotees and people from all walks of life in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.