SRINAGAR: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma on Wednesday called upon the youth of the nation to become torchbearers of a drug-free, progressive and empowered India.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of Aarohan 2026.
Addressing participants, dignitaries and youth delegates from across the country, the Minister lauded the Department of Youth Services & Sports for organising the national-level event, which brought together more than 300 young participants from nine States and Union Territories in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the theme of the festival, “Rise, Shine and Conquer,” Satish Sharma said Aarohan 2026 had emerged as a vibrant platform showcasing the energy, innovation and leadership potential of India’s youth.
He highlighted that through initiatives like the Young Leaders Dialogue, Cultural Track and Hackathon, the festival successfully channelised the creativity and aspirations of young minds towards nation-building.
Satish Sharma expressed deep concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, describing it as one of the greatest challenges confronting society today.
He said substance abuse was no longer a distant issue but a harsh reality affecting schools, colleges and neighbourhoods across Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
“Drugs do not offer escape; they offer destruction. One moment of curiosity or peer pressure can derail a lifetime of promise,” the Minister said while urging youth to safeguard their lives, ambitions and talents from the trap of addiction.
The Minister appreciated the inclusion of drug de-addiction as a key theme in the Aarohan 2026 Hackathon and said innovative youth-led solutions and awareness campaigns can play a transformative role in combating the crisis.
He appealed to young people to become ambassadors of awareness in their homes and communities and support those struggling with addiction by guiding them towards help and rehabilitation.
Emphasising the importance of sports and constructive engagement, Satish Sharma described sports as the most powerful weapon against addiction.
He said sports instill discipline, resilience, self-confidence and teamwork among youth and reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards strengthening sports infrastructure across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister further said the government is actively expanding de-addiction centres, promoting awareness programmes in educational institutions and taking firm action against drug networks.
However, he maintained that the fight against addiction can only be won through collective societal participation.
“Real victory will come when families, teachers, communities and youth themselves unite against this menace,” he said.
Calling youth the true strength of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation, Satish Sharma said the future of India rests in the creativity, energy and determination of its young generation.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he urged participants to dedicate themselves to innovation, service and nation-building.
The Minister encouraged youth to rise above every temptation, shine through their talents and conquer every challenge life presents, while reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir today stands defined not by its past but by the brilliance and aspirations of its youth.
