Srinagar, Oct 29 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday described youth as the nation's greatest strength and called for collective efforts to channel their energy towards sports, innovation and nation-building while urging all sections of society to join the fight against drug abuse.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony for the winners of the “Pedal Through Paradise” cycling event in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir's story was no longer confined to the challenges of the past but increasingly reflected the efforts of the present and possibilities of the future.
“The story of Jammu Kashmir is no longer confined to the challenges of the past but it is also the story of the efforts of the present and the possibilities of the future,” Sinha said.
Congratulating the winners and participants, he said their enthusiasm, determination and achievements reflected the confidence and aspirations of young people across the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the Jammu and Kashmir Police for organising community outreach programmes that go beyond conventional policing and help strengthen relations between security forces and the public.
“Initiatives such as ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ are testimony to the fact that the Jammu Kashmir Police have combined security with compassion, discipline with inspiration, and duty with social commitment, so that bonds of the heart may be forged with the people of the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Sinha said the Civic Action Programmes undertaken by the police had provided opportunities for young people to participate in sporting activities, develop skills and engage constructively with society.
He said Jammu and Kashmir was emerging as a land of possibilities, with its youth demonstrating their potential in sports, education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for the younger generation, the Lieutenant Governor said meaningful development could be achieved only when young people had confidence in their abilities and access to platforms that allowed them to realise their aspirations.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“It is the collective responsibility of all of us to provide the youth with platforms where their energy receives a positive direction, their talent receives encouragement, and their dreams receive the opportunity to be realised,” he said.
Sinha said sporting initiatives such as “Pedal Through Paradise” and “Jashn-e-Dal” were more than competitions, as they encouraged discipline, perseverance, resilience and a spirit of collective participation.
He expressed confidence that such programmes would inspire young people to contribute to national development through hard work, determination and talent.
Turning to the growing challenge of drug abuse, the Lieutenant Governor called for the active involvement of families, educational institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in protecting young people from substance abuse.
He stressed that efforts to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir must also include compassion, rehabilitation and support for those affected by addiction.
“All sections of society must participate in the fight against drugs,” Sinha said, urging people to work collectively for peace, progress and a healthy, prosperous and secure Jammu and Kashmir.
He also called upon citizens to embrace knowledge, innovation and positive ideas to strengthen social harmony and contribute to the Union Territory's development.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination PHQ S.J.M. Gillani, Commandant General Home Guards Abdul Ghani Mir, ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar, BSF ADG Ashok Yadav and Director Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar were among those present.
Senior officers of the police and civil administration, representatives of cycling associations, prominent citizens and a large number of young people also attended the ceremony. (KNS)