SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir will play a decisive role in shaping a brighter, peaceful, and prosperous future for the region, while addressing the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.
Calling the youth the “most valuable asset” of the Union Territory, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised their vital role in establishing long-lasting peace and prosperity in the 21st century. “Despite challenges and change, our youth hold the power to drive socio-economic transformation in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, underlining the government’s commitment to empowering young people with resources and opportunities.
The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The LG hailed the programme as a transformative platform bridging the gap between young citizens and policymakers, fostering participatory governance and leadership development. He said that the programme, supported by the MY Bharat platform, would be a key driver in India’s development journey towards 2047.
The LG reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s four-fold objectives for youth engagement — Engage, Encourage, Enable, and Inspire — and urged the youth to adopt the “Panch Pran” (five vows) to contribute to the nation’s progress. “Move ahead with the resolve of Nation First,” he told students, encouraging qualities such as leadership, self-confidence, imagination, and persistence.
The Lieutenant Governor praised IUST’s progressive academic reforms and urged the university to take the lead in establishing a semiconductor lab. He said that the goal of Viksit Bharat could only be achieved when Jammu and Kashmir, its districts, and its universities are developed and economically vibrant.
Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the LG called on students to dedicate themselves to building a strong and inclusive India. He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to combat the drug menace, calling for all universities in Jammu and Kashmir to become drug-free zones. “Only drug-free campuses can meaningfully contribute to nation-building,” he asserted.
He suggested the creation of Say No to Drugs student committees in universities and emphasised the importance of counselling systems, helpline access like Tele-Manas, and inclusion of de-addiction content in academic curricula.
During the event, the LG administered the Viksit Bharat Shapath, a pledge of commitment to the nation’s progress. He also released IUST’s Institutional Development Plan and a university publication, while congratulating winners of pre-event competitions such as the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament and debates.
A special address was given by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, on integrating the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision into the university’s development strategy. The programme also featured Yuva Samvad, a student dialogue session on civic responsibilities, national development, and current issues, followed by a screening of the documentary “Sardar @150.”
The event was attended by senior officials including Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department; Basharat Qayoom, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama; and IUST faculty members and students.
