Jammu, Jun 08 (KNO): Stating that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is looking ahead to a bright future, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the dedication of Lord Venkateswara temple will give a boost to spiritual tourism and a major fillip to the economic development and employment opportunities in the Union Territory.
“The dedication of Lord Venkateswara temple will strengthen religious tourism circuit in J&K, give a boost to spiritual tourism and a major fillip to the economic development and employment opportunities in the Union Territory,” Sinha said addressing the gathering at the Maha Samprokshanam of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Lord Tirupati Balaji) in village Majeen under Shivalik Hills here in the city outskirts, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State attended the Maha Samprokshanam of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams at Jammu with Chairman, TTD, Y V Subba Reddy and other dignitaries.
“The J&K UT is looking ahead to a bright future and it is our collective responsibility to contribute to the task of socio-economic growth and to ensure participation and empowerment of the common man,” said Sinha.
He stated that Home Minister Amit Shah was expected to grace today's occasion with his presence but due to some indispensable work, he couldn't join us.
“He has conveyed his best wishes and told me his future event in Jammu will start only after paying obeisance to Sri Venkateswara Swamy,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
He further added that holy shrines of Sri Venkateswara, Baba Amarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Sharda, Shiv Khori, Adi Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal and other prominent religious places and Sufi shrines in the UT will not only boost tourism but also develop Jammu Kashmir as the cultural-spiritual capital of the country.
The Lt Governor lauded Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Shri Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan and other organizations for their immense contribution in promoting Vedic culture and traditions.
“I am confident Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will develop a Ved Pathshala and Health Centre on priority,” he added.
“Lord Venkateswara maintains this world and he is the very basis of existence. His divine blessings continue to guide the journey of Atam-Nirbhar Bharat and ensuring peace and prosperity in the lives of people,” the Lt Governor said.
After paying their obeisance at the sanctity sanctum, the dignitaries attended the dedication ceremony of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, spread across over 62 acres of land, to the devotees.
Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism congratulated the people, J&K Government and all the devotees of Sri Venkateswara said that temple at Jammu will carry the message in the world that Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is one. This will be a centre of spirituality and Sanatan traditions.
It is the result of the devotion and commitment of the Lt Governor of J&K and Chairman and Board members of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams that Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is completed in a short span.
Now, the devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other prominent religious places can also seek the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy at Jammu, said the Union Minister.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the inauguration of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a historic moment in the Sanatan Journey of J&K and the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, while speaking on the occasion, said the historic day will script a new milestone in the development journey of J&K UT.
This Vikas Tirth is a celebration of India’s unity in diversity and also signifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, he added.
Y.V. Subba Reddy, Chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Trust Board expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Lt Governor led UT Government for their support and cooperation. I pray to Lord Venkateswara to bless the people of Jammu Kashmir with love, peace and prosperity—(KNO)