JAMMU: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh held a wide-ranging interaction with members of the civil society in Jammu on Saturday, engaging with a cross-section of eminent citizens to discuss the evolving socio-political climate and the way forward for the region.

The meeting was attended by professionals from diverse fields, including leading doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, representatives of the judiciary, industrial chambers, and members of the media, including radio and electronic platforms. The initiative was aimed at reaching out to influential citizens who are not always part of conventional political dialogues, but whose voices and opinions hold sway across different segments of society.

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that while political parties routinely interact with various groups, this outreach was conceived as a step towards engaging with those whose views sometimes remain underrepresented but have the potential to shape broader public opinion.

During the interaction, participants collectively lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian security forces for the country's recent assertive and confident global posture. Several media professionals present stressed the importance of strengthening responsible information dissemination, particularly in an age where misinformation can quickly skew public perception. They emphasised the media's responsibility in curating accurate and timely narratives that reflect ground realities.

In turn, the Minister emphasised collective effort for building a positive narrative.

Members of the business community raised concerns about the perceptional impact following recent incidents like the one in Pahalgam, which they said had triggered apprehensions outside the region. They underscored the need for a collaborative effort to rebuild confidence in the region's economic and tourism prospects, advocating for a united front to reassure investors and visitors alike.

Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the candid feedback and assured the gathering that such engagements would continue to ensure that voices beyond traditional political frameworks are heard and factored into policymaking. He reiterated that the Union Government remains committed to inclusive development in Jammu & Kashmir and stressed that confidence-building among all stakeholders is key to sustained growth.

The interaction underscored the importance of civic participation in shaping the region's narrative and marked a shift towards a more holistic engagement model-one that includes professionals, thought leaders, and influencers in the national dialogue.