At the Reading Marathon by Dal Lake, LG Sinha emphasizes the importance of integrating education with fitness and environmental awareness, urging youth to commit to lifelong learning and national service.
Srinagar, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: ‘Discipline, leadership & nation first can create new history’
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the Reading Marathon at the banks of Dal Lake, marking a unique convergence of knowledge, fitness, and environmental responsibility. The event, organised by the National Book Trust as part of Education Week, celebrates six successful years of the National Education Policy. This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of reading but also seeks to instill a sense of community and environmental stewardship among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Education Policy (NEP), which was introduced to overhaul the educational framework in India, aims to create a holistic learning environment that extends beyond traditional classroom settings. It encourages innovative pedagogies and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and the integration of vocational education. The Reading Marathon aligns with these objectives by promoting reading as a fundamental part of personal development and societal engagement.
Addressing thousands of students from colleges and universities across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significance of the reading marathon as a symbol of collective learning and social responsibility. “Education should not remain confined to books and examination halls. It must reach playgrounds, social spaces, and become a way of life. Today’s Reading Marathon is a powerful example of that vision,” he said. This statement encapsulates a growing recognition that education is not simply a means to an end, but a lifelong journey that encompasses various aspects of life.
The reading marathon carried the message “Run for a Green Future.” The Lieutenant Governor described this motto as a life philosophy that intertwines knowledge, physical health, and environmental consciousness. He emphasized that both knowledge and environmental conservation require patience, discipline, and sustained collective effort. This reflects a broader trend in educational discourse, where there is a push to integrate environmental studies into the curriculum, thereby fostering a generation that is not only informed but also proactive in addressing ecological challenges.
“Reading enriches our thoughts, running strengthens our bodies, and caring for nature awakens our conscience. Together, they prepare society to face future challenges,” the Lieutenant Governor said. This holistic approach to education underscores the importance of developing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to tackle the complexities of modern society. The integration of physical activity, such as running, with intellectual pursuits like reading, promotes a balanced lifestyle that is essential for personal and communal well-being.
In a call to action, the Lieutenant Governor urged young participants to take three important pledges. He asked the youth to make reading a daily habit, adopt environmental conservation in everyday life, and transform the spirit of the marathon into a lifelong commitment to bring positive change in society. This emphasis on actionable commitments reflects a shift towards experiential learning, where students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
“Let the spirit of doing something good for society become a lifelong commitment. I believe that merely reading books is not enough. True education is to put what you have read into practice. It is easy to read a book about climate change. But after reading those words, deciding that I myself will run five kilometres, spread the message of nature conservation, and bring changes into my life, is real transformation. Today you all have chosen the path of change, and that is the greatest success of Chinar Book Festival,” the Lieutenant Governor said. This perspective challenges conventional views of education as a passive process, advocating for a more active role in learning and community engagement.
On the eve of Vijay Diwas, the Lieutenant Governor also invoked the courage of young soldiers who fought in the Kargil War, reminding the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that discipline, leadership, and a Nation First attitude can create new history. The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan in 1999, saw many young soldiers display extraordinary bravery, and their stories serve as powerful motivators for the current generation.
“Most of the soldiers and officers who defended the country in the Kargil War were young people aged 20 to 25. The stories of heroes like Captain Vikram Batra, Manoj Kumar Pandey, and Captain Anuj Nayyar make young people realize that with the right direction and spirit, the youth can create new history. I want the Reading Marathon to spread the thinking of 'Nation First,' a 'Never Give Up' attitude, and the spirit of discipline and leadership, and to kindle the flame of national service in the heart of every youth in Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said. This invocation of national pride and service resonates deeply in a region that has faced its share of challenges and conflicts, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the youth.
Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener of the Chinar Book Festival, along with other dignitaries, including Dr. Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, and Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar, were present at the flag-off ceremony. Their participation underscores the collaborative effort required to promote education and environmental awareness, highlighting the role of various stakeholders in shaping the future of the youth.
The event attracted a large number of attendees, including senior officials, members of the National Book Trust, heads of educational institutes, eminent literary personalities, teachers, and students. This diverse participation reflects the community's commitment to fostering an educational culture that values reading, physical fitness, and environmental responsibility. The Reading Marathon serves not only as a celebration of literature but also as a rallying point for collective action towards a sustainable future.
In conclusion, the Reading Marathon initiated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to redefine education in Jammu and Kashmir. By promoting reading as a vital component of personal and social development, the event encourages a shift towards a more integrated approach to learning that encompasses physical health and environmental stewardship. The call for young people to take actionable pledges further reinforces the idea that education is not merely an academic pursuit but a transformative journey that can lead to meaningful change in society.
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