Jammu, April 17 : In this month’s “Awaam Ki Awaaz” programme, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday shared the motivational and inspiring stories of the on Territory’s change-makers, who are rendering selfless service to society. The Lt Governor also acknowledged and appreciated the invaluable suggestions and ideas received from the citizens and assured objective actions on the same. “We are committed to the welfare of the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable sections of the society,” said the Lt Governor. “Various new initiatives have given wings to a common man’s dreams. A promising future awaits Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. During the latest episode of the radio programme, the Lt Governor called upon the people to play their important role and complement government’s efforts toward building a developed and prosperous new Jammu & Kashmir. Lauding the spirit of countless citizens who have dedicated themselves to the service of others, the Lt Governor made a special mention of Vaidya R C Nagar from Udhampur. He highlighted how the 98-year-old shines as a beacon of hope for the elderly by running an Ayurvedic Medicine, Yoga and Physiotherapy Center for his peers, besides establishing a Senior Citizen Home and a Bal Ashram for orphans. Noting that the government is according the highest priority to senior citizens’ care and wellbeing, the Lt Governor said that the UT administration has ensured dedicated Geriatric and Palliative Care facilities in all the districts. Also, specific instructions have been issued to the Social Welfare Department to achieve saturation of benefits under old-age pension schemes and other welfare programs for our elderly, he added. On the occasion, the Lt Governor also highlighted the impressive stories of S ta Devi, Sadaf Yusuf and Mehak Sharma, who are driving great positive change and exuding confidence in the society with their immense contributions. The Lt Governor conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to them and the countless other women who with their selfless service and strong will-power have achieved great strides in furthering peace, prosperity and social cooperation. “Our daughter Sadaf Yusuf from Anantnag, who is an IT graduate, is working for women empowerment and making efforts to improve the quality of life of the women folk belonging to the deprived sections of the society. During the Covid pandemic, Sadaf had selflessly served the women, elders and students through tele-counselling. In collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, she is working on Health and Hygiene awareness programmes in the remote areas of Anantnag’, the Lt Governor said. The Lt Governor underlined the need to make continuous efforts toward women empowerment. He said that the UT government through its policy reforms and intuitive hand holding schemes will usher in notable changes in the socio-economic and educational status of women in Jammu and Kashmir at a fast pace. We are determined to establish an egalitarian society where every citizen gets the benefits of the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir, he further added. VBH GK