On Gandhi Jayanti, LG Sinha invokes Gandhi’s legacy of truth, non-violence in digital age

Technology must serve humanity, not replace conscience: LG Sinha

Calls on youth to verify facts, engage in dialogue and uphold truth in digital age

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called upon children and youth to use technology with discipline and responsibility, cautioning against misinformation and stressing that truth, dialogue and human values must remain central in an increasingly technology-driven society.

Addressing a Gandhi Jayanti celebration organised by the School Education Department in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sinha said Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of truth and non-violence remained relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The Lieutenant Governor extended greetings to the people of Jammu Kashmir on Gandhi Jayanti and congratulated children who participated in the cultural programmes and district-level symposium on truth and non-violence.

He also appreciated the Kashmiri rendition of Mahatma Gandhi’s bhajan by Gulzar Ahmed, a Hindi performance by students of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts and a skit presented by students of Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh.

‘Gandhi gave India a new way of thinking’

Reflecting on the significance of October 2, Sinha said Gandhi had given India “a new way of thinking” centred on standing against injustice and living with dignity.

He said Gandhi’s principles continued to provide guidance to successive generations.

“I believe that revered Bapu has left behind many priceless legacies for us. He gave us a new method, new principles, a new approach to life and a new system that remains alive in the hands of every generation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said Gandhi’s understanding of truth went beyond simply stating facts, describing truth as a discipline involving introspection, verification and listening.

“Truth is the habit of verifying before believing any fact or information and truth is the habit of listening and understanding before responding immediately to anything,” he said.

Call to counter misinformation

Sinha said technology had connected people across the world but had also raised questions concerning truth and inclusivity.

He urged young people to adopt the discipline of verifying information before reacting to it and engaging in dialogue rather than responding immediately.

He stressed that “Satyameva Jayate” — truth alone triumphs — must remain a guiding principle for democracy.

The Lieutenant Governor also emphasised that technology should remain under human control and be used as an instrument for progress rather than becoming a substitute for human conscience.

“For however powerful the instrument may be, its direction is ultimately determined by the hand that wields it,” he said.

Diversity is India’s strength

Sinha said India’s diversity of languages, faiths, customs and traditions had historically been accompanied by an ethos of living together.

He called for strengthening unity through everyday actions based on justice, respect and compassion, while recalling Gandhi’s concern for the weakest sections of society.

“Our great tradition has taught us that walking together with diversity is India’s strength. I believe this philosophy is needed today more than ever,” he said.

Focus on self-reliance and local enterprise

The Lieutenant Governor also linked Gandhi’s emphasis on self-reliance and village enterprises with the country’s current development priorities.

He said Gandhi had stressed the role of small village enterprises and asserted that efforts to strengthen local products, artisans, small enterprises and farmers were consistent with that vision.

He also highlighted the importance of trusteeship, public participation and character-building among children.

“Bapu firmly believed that a nation’s character is its most permanent infrastructure,” Sinha said.

‘Ask what I am doing for a developed India’

Sinha called upon citizens to reflect on their own contribution to nation-building rather than focusing only on what others were doing.

He urged people to ask themselves whether they were advancing truth or rumours, engaging in dialogue or merely reacting, and contributing to unity or division.

He said this would constitute a meaningful tribute to Gandhi’s life and philosophy.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that Gandhi’s philosophy would continue to guide India’s development towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

He said India’s progress should ultimately be measured not only through infrastructure and economic growth but also by the extent to which opportunities reach deprived and marginalised sections.

“In 2047, when we celebrate the centenary of independent India, we should not measure India’s success only by infrastructure, but also by how many deprived people we have lifted up with others and how many people we have been able to reach out with opportunities,” he said.

Minister for Health & Medical Education, School & Higher Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Masood Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Padma Bhushan Rajeev Sethi, Padma Shri Dr S.P. Varma, President Gandhi Global Family, J&K, Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary School Education Department, senior officials, prominent citizens, heads of educational institutions, teachers and students attended the programme.