Youth hope of our nation: Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Oct 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday launched ‘Inspire Gen-Z’ and ‘The Beats of J&K’, two contemporary digital shows created by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to engage, entertain and inspire the youth of J&K.
The Lt Governor also inaugurated the Study Lounge and Reference Library and dedicated DIPR Auditorium, Srinagar as ‘Pandit Bhajan Sopori Auditorium’ in the honour of the Santoor Maestro.
The Lt Governor congratulated the Information & Public Relations Department and the talented youth of the UT of J&K. New initiatives of DIPR are like windows that open up to an infinite world of ideas, imagination, wisdom and culture, said the Lt Governor.
From communicating Government programmes and policies to the public to disseminating cultural tradition, the Information Department is playing an important role by offering new ideas and perspectives, he added.
‘Youth is the hope of our nation. Young generation of J&K wants to drive social progress, contribute to the economic growth and a better future for the society and the nation. Our effort is to ignite their dreams and aspirations and to ensure they realise their true potential of changemakers’, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor further observed that the dreams and aspirations of people can be truly realised only in conditions of peace and terrorism is one of the gravest threats to peace.
“I call upon the young generation to come together to foil the efforts of elements disrupting normal life and economic progress of J&K,” the Lt Governor added.
Young generation should always rise above narrow considerations of caste, religion to build an inclusive and equitable society in today’s inter-dependent world. The spirit of oneness can bring the most effective transformation in our society, the Lt Governor observed.
The Lt Governor called upon the officials and employees of the Information department to play the role of master communicators.
There is a need to counter deliberate dissemination of falsehoods, propaganda with the intent to cause harm to the society. We also need to safeguard press freedom. A large number of newspapers, TV Stations & digital users reflect the vitality and vibrancy of our media and democracy, the Lt Governor said.
We have to keep in mind that medium is the message. So we must choose the right mass media tools to reach out to the people with factual information, he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also urged all departments and common citizens to purchase local products. On this Diwali, we must strengthen the resolve of self-reliant J&K and Vocal for Local campaign by giving preference to local products and empower youth, women associated with the self help groups, he added.
Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary to the Government, Information Department, while speaking on the occasion, congratulated the Department and everyone associated with the new initiatives.
With the new shows launched today, we are aiming to take the talent of J&K to the national and international level in digital, contemporary and modern forms and show the world what the youth of the UT are capable of, he added.
Akshay Labroo, Director, Information & Public Relations, J&K, in his welcome address, provided an insight into the new initiatives and programmes of the department to showcase the inspirational stories of change makers and providing a platform to the talented youth of the UT.
State-of-the-Art Reference Library will not only be limited to archival use but also provide a space to the intelligentsia to hold seminars and discussions, he informed.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor honoured Prof. Aparna Sopori, wife of Santoor Maestro Pandit Bhajan Sopori. He also felicitated the winners of National Anthem Round-2.
Live performances by the renowned artists of J&K including Gulzar Ahmed Ganai, Kusha Sharma, Chinmaya Sharma, Irfan and Bilal remained one the major highlights of the evening.
Short videos highlighting the objectives and vision of the initiatives were also showcased.
Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board; R R Swain, Special DG, CID; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sujit Kumar DIG; Mohammad Aijaz, DC Srinagar; Naresh Kumar, Sapna Kotwal and Inam Ul Haq Siddiqui, Joint Directors, DIPR; Family members of Pandit Bhajan Sopori, besides senior officials, artists, youth, students, volunteers of Gen-Z, and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present on the occasion.