SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday called on young people in Jammu and Kashmir to stay away from drugs, embrace sports and contribute to the region’s development, stressing that youth participation is crucial to building a peaceful and prosperous society.
Addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Pedal Through Paradise 2026’ at the Police Golf Course on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Sinha said sporting activities promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and healthy living among young people.
Congratulating the participants and winners of the cycling event, he said such initiatives provide a platform for young people to demonstrate their abilities, build confidence and channel their energy into constructive pursuits.
The Lieutenant Governor said sports play an important role in shaping young people by fostering determination, responsibility and a spirit of cooperation. Greater participation in sporting activities, he added, could encourage healthier lifestyles and help youth work towards their goals.
He also commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police for organising public engagement programmes that promote social harmony and encourage youth participation. Referring to initiatives such as ‘Jashn-e-Dal’ and ‘Pedal Through Paradise’, Sinha said such events help build confidence and encourage young people to engage positively with their communities.
Describing youth as an important force in Jammu and Kashmir’s present and future, he pointed to their achievements in sports, innovation and entrepreneurship as evidence of their potential to contribute to the region’s progress.
He called for continued efforts to expand opportunities for young people to develop their skills, pursue their ambitions and participate in social and developmental activities.
Expressing concern over drug abuse, Sinha stressed the need for a collective and sustained response involving families, communities and young people. He urged youth to make responsible choices, avoid substance abuse and adopt healthy habits.
He also called for greater awareness and community involvement in tackling addiction, emphasising that people struggling with substance abuse should receive compassion and support rather than face social stigma.
Society, he said, has a responsibility to help those affected by addiction recover and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Sinha reiterated that creating a safe and healthy environment for young people required the involvement of all sections of society. He urged greater participation in sports and other constructive activities, linking youth engagement with Jammu and Kashmir’s continued development.
The closing ceremony of ‘Pedal Through Paradise 2026’ underscored the role of sports, youth empowerment and collective responsibility in promoting healthier lifestyles and efforts towards a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
