Srinagar, Oct 2 (KNS) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recalled Mahatma Gandhi's 1947 statement, envisioning J&K as a "ray of hope" for India. "I pray that in this darkness, Jammu and Kashmir will become a star and shine for the country," Gandhi had said.

Addressing a gathering on Gandhi Jayanti, LG Sinha noted Gandhi's vision is now a reality, citing progress toward peace and development. "When we think in the context of a changed social system, Gandhiji's thoughts provide solutions."

He highlighted successful elections, grassroots democracy empowerment, and youth entrepreneurship. "In the last five years, we've achieved great success in establishing a peaceful Jammu and Kashmir."

The recent elections saw a record voter turnout, with 1.40 crore people showing great interest in strengthening democracy.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"The youth deserve all the credit as they voted in huge numbers. In this election, people showed that they no longer believe in guns and stones and rather they want to use vote as a tool to get their demands fulfilled," the LG said.

LG Sinha also warned that some individuals continue to misguide youth, seeking to disrupt peace. "They can't digest peace and want to keep the pot boiling... It's for the youth to defeat such forces."

He urged the youth to dedicate themselves to selfless service and pure means to achieve their goals. "Your resolve, your goal, requires pure means to achieve."

The Lieutenant Governor praised administration efforts to provide facilities for students and promote women's empowerment. "Millions of young people have become entrepreneurs... Our daughters lead one-third of startups." (KNS)