On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unveiled ‘Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir,’ a coffee table book by photojournalist Ashish Sharma, in New Delhi.
During the launch, LG Sinha commended Sharma for his factual portrayal of the continuous changes and developmental strides in Jammu and Kashmir across various sectors since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. He asserted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, J&K has reclaimed its identity as ‘Paradise’ post-2019, a transformation meticulously captured in Sharma’s photographic journey.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the historical significance of August 5 and June 6 for J&K. He stated that the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, facilitated J&K’s full integration, while June 6 physically connected Kashmir to Kanyakumari, aligning its citizens’ aspirations with the national mainstream. He described the coffee table book as an endeavor to present the nation with the profound transformation that has occurred in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years.
LG Sinha further highlighted the J&K Administration’s efforts, guided by the Prime Minister, to foster a Jammu and Kashmir free from discrimination, fear, and insecurity. He reiterated his clear message from day one: “we do not believe in buying peace but want to establish peace,” and a vision for security agencies to “not harass the innocent, do not spare the guilty.” He proudly stated that the administration has largely succeeded in realizing the vision of “4 Ps – Peace, Progress, Prosperity and People First,” noting unprecedented infrastructure development and impressive economic growth.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that while transforming urban landscapes, the administration has prioritized facilities, sustainability, and quality living for common citizens. He remarked that nightlife in Kashmir Valley cities has regained its vibrancy, symbolizing their renewed liveliness, and J&K’s relationship with its lakes and rivers has been revitalized after decades. He also highlighted rapid growth in industry, startups, and agriculture over five consecutive years, with approximately one million youth achieving self-employment within four years, ensuring no section of society is left behind.
Lauding the significant efforts behind the coffee table book, LG Sinha remarked on its remarkable showcase of J&K’s extraordinary journey and unprecedented growth across all sectors. He noted that books, especially coffee table books with their captivating photographs, serve as documents of time, illustrating J&K’s progress through Ashish Sharma’s lens.
Finally, the Lieutenant Governor cautioned against “fear mongers” making baseless, misleading statements that threaten peace, urging people to engage in politics without compromising the unity and integrity of the nation.
The event was attended by Meenakshi Lekhi, former Union Minister of State; Ram Bahadur Rai, President IGNCA; Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA; Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur, Director & Head, Kala Nidhi, IGNCA, and various prominent citizens.
