Raja Syed Rather
Jammu, Jan 8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Wednesday, underlined the significant role of youth in shaping India’s developmental trajectory over the past decade.
Interacting with the 55-member youth contingent from J&K that left for New Delhi today to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue – National Youth Festival 2025, Lt Governor Sinha said, “Pichle 10 varsho main desh nay jo vikas ki gati dekhi hai, usmein youth power ka bahut yogdan hai (the development trajectory witnessed by the country and has seen significant contributions from the youth power).”
The Lieutenant Governor, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in the ongoing ‘Vikshit Bharat’ campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the campaign’s leadership was entrusted to the younger generation. “I have full faith in your skills, hard work, and dedication, and I hope that your creative power will help in expediting the process of Vikshit Bharat and building a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, expressing his confidence in the potential of the region’s youth to drive significant change.
Reflecting on the past five years, the LG noted that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has made concerted efforts to empower and transform the youth. “Efforts have been put to transform the youth power, and to a great extent, we have been successful in channelizing their energy towards constructive avenues,” he added.
Lt Governor said, “The administration has launched various skill development programs, entrepreneurship initiatives, and educational reforms to ensure that the youth are equipped to meet future challenges.”
Envisions India’s GDP contribution reaching 35%
Touching upon the larger picture of India’s economic growth, LG Sinha drew attention to the remarkable progress made over the years. “In 1950, our GDP contribution to the global economy was just 4%. Today, it has risen to 15%, and by 2047, we must ensure that our contribution reaches 35%,” he said, envisioning a dynamic and globally competitive India by the centenary of its independence.
He added that this vision of a ‘Badalta Bharat’ (Changing India) could only be realized through the collective efforts of every citizen, with the youth playing a central role in shaping the country’s future.
J&K occupies important place on national cultural map
Referring to the objective of the National Youth Festival, the Lieutenant Governor said the glorious event prepares our youth to assume future challenges and responsibilities towards the nation with patriotic feelings.
Lt Governor said, “Jammu Kashmir occupies an important place on the national cultural map. The youth festival will provide an opportunity to make our rich cultural legacy popular and enrich cultural consciousness of the society,”
“At UT level, the event brings youth from different districts and different backgrounds to mingle and learn from each other. This helps in developing better understanding and appreciation of different cultures and talents,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to embrace this special opportunity to display their leadership talent and demonstrate diversity in folk dance, poetry, writing, painting and music.
He asked the youth to achieve excellence in their respective competition and also explore ways to contribute to nation building. “Youth are responsible for writing their own destiny and shaping the future of Jammu Kashmir. Never feel satisfied. Remove the word ‘Impossible’ from your dictionary and move forward with determination and confidence,” he said.
During the interactive session, the youth spoke about different themes in which they are representing J&K and also shared the role of the younger generation of Jammu Kashmir in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department; Rajinder Singh Tara, Director General, Youth Services and Sports; Jitendra Mishra, Nodal Officer, participating youth and officials accompanying the contingent for National Youth Festival were present on the occasion.
