Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday encouraged the youth of the Union Territory to lead India’s development journey, saying they will create a brighter future for the region and ensure long-lasting peace and prosperity.
Sinha was addressing the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Yuva Connect is a flagship initiative under the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
According to an official press release, in his address, the LG lauded the transformative platform for youth engagement, which aims to bridge the gap between young citizens and policymakers while empowering the youth to become active stakeholders in nation-building.
“Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme aims to create a platform where the youth can share ideas, engage in policy dialogues and be inspired to contribute actively to India’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat,” he said.
The LG encouraged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to lead India’s development journey and provide innovative solutions to the nation’s pressing challenges.
“Youths will create a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir and ensure long-lasting peace and prosperity. In this 21st century, despite constant change and challenges, it is our youths — our most valuable asset — who possess the power to drive the socio-economic revolution.
“Jammu and Kashmir, brimming with infinite possibilities, is empowering its aspiring youth with abundant resources and opportunities,” he said.
The LG told the youth to move ahead with the resolve of ‘nation-first’.
“Adopt the prime minister’s ‘Panch Pran’ resolution. Qualities like initiative, leadership, self-confidence, persistence, imagination and courage to learn from failure will guide you on the path of Viksit Bharat’s journey,” he added.
“We can achieve the resolution of Viksit Bharat only when J&K is Viksit, when our districts are Viksit, and most importantly our Universities are Viksit and play an important role in our economic growth. I am proud that IUST is working with this resolve in true letter and spirit,” the LG further said.
Paying tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the LG urged the youth to dedicate themselves fully to building a brighter future for India and an inclusive society, as envisioned by Sardar Patel.
The LG also reiterated his resolve to combat the drug menace, taking a firm pledge to make every university in Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.
He emphasized that only drug-free campuses can contribute to nation-building, a goal achievable through a few key initiatives.
The anti-drug drive must begin at the admission level, encouraging every student to take an oath to stay away from drugs. Every university should establish a ‘Say No To Drugs Student Committee’, supervised by faculty members, which will serve as an Early Warning Mechanism.
Universities must create a confidential reporting system and provide needy students with assured access to support via helplines like Tele-Manas. In addition to counselling and support systems, drug de-addiction content should be incorporated into the academic curriculum, he said.
The LG felicitated the winners of pre-events including Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, Debate Competitions, and extended his best wishes for the upcoming main event on August 12th. This significant day will see the formal launch of the “Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect Program” by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who will simultaneously engage with students and faculty across 1,339 universities.
On the occasion, the LG administered Viksit Bharat Shapath, a collective pledge affirming their commitment to the nation’s progress. He also released the University’s publication and IUST’s institutional development plan for achieving academic excellence and making the university future ready.
Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST presented a special presentation on how the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 is being integrated into the university’s Institutional Development Plan (IDP), covering administrative, academic, research, and outreach activities down to the department and center levels.
Yuva Samvad, an open dialogue session among the students was also held, focusing on civic responsibilities, national development, and current issues, followed by the screening of the “Sardar @150” video, a visual tribute to the life and legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama; Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Registrar, IUST; senior officials, HoDs, faculty members and students were present.
