Youth accountable to society, nation: Lt Governor

Jammu, Jan 7: Asserting that true progress is about creating opportunities for others to move forward, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reminded youth that they are accountable to society and nation.
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha virtually, flagged off a 53-member youth contingent from UT of Jammu Kashmir for New Delhi to participate in the 29th National Youth Festival-Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue-2026.
While addressing the youth, Manoj Sinha said, “Your greatest responsibility is towards society and the nation. True progress is about creating opportunities for others to move forward.”
The contingent selected for the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track and Cultural/Innovation Track will represent J&K at the prestigious national event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 10th to 12th January 2026.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the participants for emerging from local competitions to reach the national stage, noting that their journey reflects the immense potential inherent in the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Youth is not a matter about age. It is the mindset. It is about courage, curiosity, and the power to bring about change. I have complete faith in our Youth’s potential and their resolve to shape a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Invoking Swami Vivekananda’s iconic clarion call, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” the Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to make their dreams the sole purpose of their lives and to consider every challenge on the way as a lesson in discipline and patience.
He emphasized that true leadership is defined not by personal achievements, but by the ability to create opportunities for others.
Develop future capabilities, focus on character building and embrace lifelong learning. Be bold, be fearless, think beyond boundaries. Your courage, discipline, clarity, and determination, combined with the experience will be your guide in this journey toward Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor told the youth.
Pertinently, the National Youth Festival (NYF), dedicated to youth empowerment and national unity, is organised every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12. In 2025, the National Youth Festival was restructured and renamed as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue, in order to align it with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, with a sharper focus on nurturing leadership, innovation and active participation of youth in nation-building.
Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports; Anuradha Gupta, Director General Youth Services and Sports; senior officials, participating youth and officials accompanying the Contingent were present on the occasion. (KNO)