Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta, today asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 was a landmark and historic step towards justice for the long-suffering Valmiki community of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the community had endured 70 years of injustice, denial of rights, and exclusion under the shadow of the special provision. He stated that with the scrapping of Article 370, the Valmiki Samaj of Jammu & Kashmir would finally receive their rightful place, dignity and equal opportunities as citizens of India.
The Governor was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day 19th National Convention of the Akhil Bhartiya Valmiki Mahasabha at the auditorium of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University in Palampur. On the occasion he paid floral tributes to Maharishi Valmiki and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
Addressing delegates, social activists, scholars and members of the Valmiki community from across the country, Kavinder Gupta said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the bold step of removing Article 370, which ensured constitutional rights and justice for deprived communities in Jammu & Kashmir, including Gorkhas.
He said that thousands of Valmiki families brought to Jammu many decades ago had served society with honesty and dedication, yet were denied basic rights and opportunities for years. He said that the situation has now changed and the community has access to better education, government jobs, welfare schemes and constitutional safeguards. He said that it is a new phase of empowerment, equality and social justice for the Valmiki community in Jammu & Kashmir.
Gupta also stressed the importance of strengthening moral values, social harmony and national unity. Referring to the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki, he said they continue to inspire people towards truth, compassion, righteousness and service to humanity. He urged young people to stay connected to their cultural roots and work for the welfare of underprivileged sections of society.
The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” was being implemented effectively across the country. He noted that improvements were being seen in education, healthcare and employment, while equal opportunities were being provided to all sections of society.
He also said that the empowerment of women and young people had become an important part of the journey towards building a developed India by 2047. He praised the Valmiki community for their contribution to make the Swachh Bharat Mission a successful nationwide movement.
Kavinder Gupta said that the large participation of members of the Valmiki Samaj from across India in the convention reflected the community’s strong commitment to social progress and national unity. He encouraged the younger generation to carry forward the ideals of Maharishi Valmiki through education, service, truth and righteousness.
Earlier, office bearers of the Mahasabha welcomed and honoured the Governor. Representatives from various states felicitated him on the occasion.
Vice Chancellor Agricultural University, Prof. A.K. Panda, National President of the Mahasabha, Ramgopal Raja, Executive President Sitaram, General Secretary Rakesh Gill, Himachal Unit President Deepak Lahaurvi, Yati Nirbhayanand of Juna Akhara, along with office bearers and dignitaries from various states across the country were also present on the occasion.
