Srinagar, June 13 (IANS) Describing the journey of Kashmiri Pandits to that of exile to excellence, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha said on Saturday that time has come for this community to reclaim its place in the Union Territory.

Addressing the global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave 2026 titled ‘From Exile to Excellence’, L-G Sinha added that time has come for Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their roots and contribute to the future of a transformed Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the community’s journey from displacement to global success stands as a remarkable example of courage, resilience and determination.

The L-G on Saturday’s gathering marked a historic moment and reflected both the achievements of the Kashmiri Pandit community and its enduring bond with its homeland.

“I see before me the sons and daughters of this soil. We are witnessing a historic moment in Srinagar. Kashmir has witnessed the pain of the community’s displacement and is now witnessing its resurgence and renewed confidence,” L-G Sinha remarked.

Referring to the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, he said the community endured immense suffering and was uprooted from its homeland overnight, but refused to allow adversity to define its future.

“The Kashmiri Pandit community suffered deeply during the 1990s. Families were displaced overnight, but despite the pain and uncertainty, they chose not to surrender to despair,” he added.

The L-G said the community faced two choices after displacement, one of hopelessness and defeat and another of rebuilding and service to society.

“The easier path was despair, but you chose reconstruction, hard work and service. You transformed your struggle into strength and your pain into purpose.”

“The real victory of the community lies in preserving its identity, culture and traditions despite decades of displacement,” L-G Sinha added.

“The true triumph is that you did not allow your villages, traditions and identity to fade away. Instead, you turned them into a source of strength and inspiration,” he said.

Describing the conclave as a message of hope, L-G Sinha said many members of the community who once faced displacement were today returning to engage with their homeland with renewed confidence.

“Those who were rendered shelterless and displaced are today returning with confidence. This itself sends a powerful message of hope and renewal,” he added.

The L-G said Kashmiri Pandits never sought sympathy despite immense hardship and instead contributed significantly to nation-building across various fields.

“You did not ask for sympathy. Even in adversity, you enriched the nation through your contributions in education, administration, arts, literature, science and public service,” he added.

Expressing satisfaction over the achievements of the community, L-G Sinha said that Kashmiri Pandits had excelled across India and the world while remaining deeply connected to their roots.

“It gives me immense happiness that members of the community are achieving excellence across the country and globally while preserving their heritage and identity,” he added.

The L-G said that courage and perseverance had remained central to the character of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

“This gathering is a celebration of your courage, determination and unwavering spirit. The entire nation salutes a community that refused to bow before adversity,” he added.

L-G Sinha said that the conclave was also a reflection of growing confidence in Jammu and Kashmir’s future and security environment.

“This gathering sends a strong message that faith in the future of Jammu and Kashmir has strengthened. The time has come to rebuild old bonds and reconnect with our shared heritage,” he added.

The L-G said that discussions at the conclave were not merely symbolic, but represented a roadmap for economic empowerment, social participation and cultural revival.

“The deliberations here are not just discussions; they provide a framework for economic empowerment, social rejuvenation and the restoration of a vibrant community life,” he added.

He said that many people once believed the displaced community would never be able to return or re-establish itself, but its resilience had proven otherwise.

“Many thought the community would never recover from displacement. Yet through determination, leadership and perseverance, you kept alive the dream of return and renewal,” he added.

Highlighting the accomplishments of Kashmiri Pandits, L-G Sinha said the community had produced distinguished scholars, civil servants, artists, intellectuals and policymakers who contributed significantly to the country’s progress.

“You have produced thinkers, scholars and visionaries who shaped national discourse and contributed immensely to nation-building,” he added.

The L-G said that the country and the world today were celebrating the achievements of the community and paying tribute to its indomitable spirit.

“Today, the nation celebrates your achievements and salutes a spirit that refused to surrender despite tremendous suffering,” he added.

Calling the conclave a “grand confluence of countless stories of courage”, L-G Sinha said a new Jammu and Kashmir was emerging and the Kashmiri Pandit community would have a vital role in shaping its future.

“A new Jammu and Kashmir has emerged. Its strength, aspirations and future are closely linked with your participation and contribution,” he added.

The L-G said the success achieved by members of the community across the world could never be separated from their roots in Kashmir.

“Wherever you may live across the country or the world, your success remains connected to your roots and heritage,” he added.

Describing the conclave as a bridge between generations, L-G Sinha said it connected those who endured displacement with younger generations carrying forward the legacy of resilience and identity.

“This gathering connects generations and ensures that the memories, sacrifices and aspirations of the community continue to inspire the future,” he added.

The L-G said that society must stand united against the tragedy of displacement and work collectively towards justice, dignity and reconciliation.

“It is a reminder that we must stand together against the pain of displacement and work towards justice, dignity and lasting reconciliation,” he added.

Paying tribute to the community’s resilience, L-G Sinha said that he personally saluted its courage and determination.

“I bow to your courage and salute your unwavering resolve. Your journey is ultimately a journey towards homecoming, and I believe that homecoming is a shared commitment,” he added.

The L-G also urged members of the community to establish institutions in Jammu and Kashmir and actively participate in the Union Territory’s development.

“I want you to build institutions, nurture talent and contribute to the growth of Jammu and Kashmir. Your experience and knowledge are invaluable for the future of this land,” he said.

L-G Sinha added that the true measure of life was not personal success alone, but the contribution one leaves behind for society and future generations.

“The real meaning of a meaningful life lies in how much better we leave our society and motherland for those who come after us,” he said.

He added that India’s ongoing cultural resurgence and its journey towards becoming a developed nation would be strengthened by the contribution and participation of every community, including Kashmiri Pandits.

“India’s civilisational resurgence and the vision of a developed nation will be enriched by your participation, contribution and leadership,” he said.

With the outbreak of terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, threats, selective killings, huge processions seeking Islamisation of Kashmir caused mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community that left everything they owned behind to barely escape with life.

Their properties were encroached, usurped or occupied through distress sales by many unscrupulous locals.

Thankfully for the welfare of the community, the state government enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and restraint on distress sales) Act, 1997.

–IANS

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