Jammu and Kashmir Looks Ahead as Youth Take Center Stage
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that Jammu and Kashmir's story now encompasses more than its history of hardship. It also reflects current efforts and the promise of the years ahead.
In Srinagar, Sinha honoured the winners of the 'Pedal Through Paradise' cycling competition. He acknowledged the spirit, determination and aspirations shown by everyone who took part.
The LG said the event embodied the optimism and self-assurance of a new Jammu and Kashmir. He credited the energy and skill of local youth for giving the occasion its lively character.
Sinha commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police for stepping beyond their primary duties of protecting security and maintaining law and order. Through worthwhile community programmes, the police have taken on a wider social role.
According to him, initiatives like 'Pedal Through Paradise' show how discipline can be combined with encouragement and duty with social accountability. Such work, he said, is helping to build lasting trust among citizens.
“Programmes such as ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ are evidence that the Jammu and Kashmir Police has joined security with empathy, discipline with encouragement and duty with social commitment, to forge a bond of the heart with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG said.
The winners' accomplishment, he observed, reveals how Jammu and Kashmir is changing. He also highlighted the capacity of young people to contribute to inclusive development and the nation's progress.
Sinha noted that the Civic Action Programme of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has created fresh opportunities in youth engagement, skill building and sporting excellence. Such efforts, he said, have strengthened self-belief in society and encouraged constructive public involvement.
The LG said Jammu and Kashmir is turning into a land of possibilities, where young people are doing commendable work in sports, education, innovation and enterprise. He stressed that real development takes place when youth have avenues to advance, faith in their capabilities and a strong feeling of unity.
“I have always stressed that the real upliftment of any region takes place when its youth have confidence in their eyes, opportunities in their hands and unity in their hearts. I am certain that events like ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ will inspire the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to make a major contribution to national growth through their talent, hard work and determination,” Sinha said.
He added that 'Pedal Through Paradise' and 'Jashn-e-Dal' are not just sports contests. They nurture discipline, perseverance and the capacity to remain steady under difficult conditions. He invited citizens to embrace positive ideas, knowledge and innovation for collective advancement.
The LG said young people are the nation's greatest asset. He encouraged the new generation to take an active part in games and community programmes.
Sinha repeated the call for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that society should help those affected by drug consumption with understanding and care so they can return to the mainstream.
He urged all stakeholders to join hands for peace, progress and a healthy, prosperous and secure Jammu and Kashmir. He also congratulated every participant for carrying the message of positive change through sports.
“All sections of society must take part in the fight against drugs. Today we must pledge three things. We will always move towards peace. We will move towards progress. And we will move towards building a healthy, prosperous, secure and bright Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said.