Jammu, 29 July (H.S.): J&K BJP vice-president and former Minister, Priya Sethi, today said that our region has always stood as a symbol of cultural resilience and harmony.

“Jammu & Kashmir continues to enrich the national identity with its heritage, traditions, and communal harmony,” she said, encouraging the younger generation to actively involve themselves in cultural activities that reinforce national solidarity.

Priya Sethi was addressing a gathering during a programme organized by Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP), Shivalik Branch (Jammu) to celebrate Hariyali Teej festival. The event was celebrated with great cultural fervour and was marked by devotional ceremonies, traditional performances and community bonding.

The former Minister highlighted the significance of the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative as a powerful tool for fostering national integration. She said, “Prime Minister Modi’s campaign is more than just a slogan; it is a reflection of India’s deep-rooted ethos of unity in diversity. This initiative encourages citizens to embrace, respect, and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that define our great nation.”

She emphasized the role of youth and students in strengthening national unity through participation in cultural exchange programmes, educational collaborations, and inter-state interaction platforms. “Such efforts are nurturing a deeper emotional connection among people across regions and promoting the spirit of one India,” she added.

The event, organized by the BVP Ladies Club, included a ceremonial puja dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing eternal love, devotion, and marital bliss. Women, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, observed fasts and offered prayers for the well-being and long life of their husbands.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar