Reimagining Delhi a shared responsibility: LG Sandhu

Delhi has always represented the spirit of India as a diverse, resilient, dynamic and aspirational city, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Friday. He was speaking at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), on the theme of ''reimagining Delhi is a shared responsibility''. The session focused on transforming Delhi from merely a political capital into a future-ready global capital. Sandhu outlined five key pillars for Delhi's development -- sustainability, inclusion, culture, innovation, economic growth, and compassion. ''Environmental challenges must be addressed with urgency and sincerity,'' he said, adding that inclusion must ensure equal space for women, youth, senior citizens, differently-abled persons, migrant workers, entrepreneurs, artists, students and vulnerable communities. On the cultural aspect, he stressed that while modernisation continues, Delhi's cultural memory must not be lost. ''The task before us is not easy,'' Sandhu said, citing urbanisation, environmental pressures, population growth, mobility challenges and resource management as issues requiring coordinated action. He also highlighted air pollution, Yamuna river cleaning, rejuvenation of water bodies, effective waste management, sustainable mobility and enhanced green cover as key priorities for the city's future. ''Reimagining Delhi is a shared responsibility. Let's work together to build a Delhi that is environmentally conscious, culturally vibrant, economically dynamic, technologically progressive, and deeply humane,'' Sandhu added. He is an alumnus of the university's School of International Studies, which hosted the event. Reminiscing about his days at JNU, he said returning to the campus was a deeply personal experience. ''This is not just an academic space. It's a place where ideas were shaped, where perspectives were challenged, where some of the most formative years of my life unfolded,'' he said. He acknowledged that JNU played a defining role in shaping his worldview and personality. ''The university challenged my perspectives, encouraged critical thinking, and broadened my understanding of society and global affairs,'' he said. JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit spoke about the various reforms and developments undertaken at the varsity during her tenure, saying that its alumni continue to excel globally in academics, diplomacy, administration and public service. She also outlined the ''10 D's'' framework representing JNU's ethos, which comprises development, decency, diversity, debate, discussion, deliberation, dharma, and democracy, among others and emphasised that the university remains committed to a violence-free campus.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)