JAMMU, Oct 2: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma, accompanied by senior party leaders and local representatives, today paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries and called upon people to translate their ideals into practical action in everyday life.On the occasion, Adv. Sharma also organised a Gram Sabha at Bansultan Panchayat, where various issues concerning rural development, public participation and the welfare of villagers were discussed.
Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Adv. Sharma said Gandhi’s message of truth, non-violence, cleanliness, social harmony and service continues to hold significance in the present era. He said the best way to honour Gandhi was not merely through ceremonial programmes but by making cleanliness, honesty, mutual respect and community service an integral part of public life.
Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri, Adv. Sharma said his historic call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” remains highly relevant as national security and food security continue to be fundamental pillars of a strong and self-reliant nation. He stressed the need to further strengthen the farming community in Jammu & Kashmir through better irrigation facilities, modern agricultural practices, adequate storage, improved market access, food processing and greater use of technology.
He said horticulture and traditional crops deserve particular attention as they provide livelihoods to thousands of families and form an important part of Jammu & Kashmir’s agricultural identity. He also appealed to consumers to respect local produce and make conscious efforts to reduce food wastage.
Speaking during the Gram Sabha, Adv. Sharma emphasised that strong villages are essential for a strong Jammu & Kashmir. He said development should not remain confined to major towns and cities and called for sustained attention towards rural roads, drainage, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, education, agriculture, employment and other basic civic facilities.
He maintained that Gram Sabhas can play an important role in strengthening grassroots democracy by providing villagers a platform to raise their concerns, participate in development planning and monitor the implementation of public welfare schemes.
Adv. Sharma also stressed the importance of greater participation of youth in nation-building. He said young people should be encouraged towards volunteerism, skill development, entrepreneurship, sports, environmental protection and community service.
He further underlined the importance of digital literacy and responsible use of social media, observing that misinformation can spread rapidly in the digital age. He urged young citizens to verify information before sharing it and to use technology as a means of education, constructive dialogue and social development.
“Values begin with individual conduct,” Adv. Sharma said, emphasising that honesty in one’s work, respect for public property, helping those in need, respecting differing opinions and performing one’s duties sincerely are essential for building a responsible society.
He said Gandhi and Shastri should not be remembered merely as historical personalities but as enduring examples of public service, responsibility, discipline and commitment to the nation.“For Jammu & Kashmir, their message must translate into cleaner towns, stronger villages, better opportunities for youth, support for farmers, respect for our soldiers, social harmony and responsible citizenship,” he said.
Adv. Sharma stressed that these objectives cannot be achieved by government institutions alone and require active cooperation from citizens, community organisations and public representatives.He suggested that October 2 should also be used as an occasion to review the progress achieved at the grassroots level and identify areas requiring further attention, rather than limiting the observance to speeches and ceremonial programmes.
“The most meaningful tribute to Gandhi and Shastri is not to merely repeat their words but to reflect their values in our conduct. Their anniversaries should inspire fewer promises and more responsibility, fewer ceremonies and more service, and fewer slogans and more action,” Adv. Sharma said.