 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 8: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today participated in the National Youth Festival celebrations here at Teachers Bhawan, Jammu.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports is organizing various events under the 24th National Youth Festival through physical/virtual mode, celebrated every year to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor called for creating a robust ecosystem to promote the young talent of J&K.
Underscoring the significance of the event, the Lt Governor said that the aim is to provide a platform to bring the youth of the country together, giving opportunities to showcase their talents in various activities, promoting the spirit of communal harmony and brotherhood among the youth.
The National Youth Festival is not any other programme, but rather a festival in my opinion. Youth is a major driving force of a nation. It is to acknowledge this force, that we celebrate the National Youth Day, observed the Lt Governor.
Youth of J&K needs opportunities to showcase their capabilities. UT Government provides handholding to the talented youth of J&K for the promotion of their talent at national and international level, the Lt Governor said.
Terming Youth as one of the greatest gifts to Jammu & Kashmir, the Lt Governor observed that 70 percent of the population is below the age of 35 years, giving a great demographic dividend, and the Youth of J&K are capable of producing nectar of growth and development.
"Development and growth is nothing but creative refinement of youth energy. The energy that is being manifested in our education, sports, skilling and creativity ultimately transforms into the development of the region", said the Lt Governor.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Lt Governor said that a youngster must not dwell in the past and make his own destiny. "Only with sheer will and determination, the youth of Jammu & Kashmir would be able to shape the future of the region and the nation", he added.
Highlighting Government's initiatives for skill development of youth, the Lt Governor said that in the coming days, hundreds of skill centres are going to be started in J&K which will impart skill training in innovative ways keeping the evolving industry demands in consideration. The work on a modern skill centre at Jammu is almost done and it is about to start operations very soon.
Prime Minister has given a priceless gift to the people of J&K in the form of a New Industrial Development Scheme for J&K worth Rs 28,400 crore that will lead to rapid industrialization, development and generation of 4.5 lakh jobs, the Lt Governor maintained.
Farooq Khan, Advisor to the Lt Governor, while speaking on the occasion, emphasized on nurturing the skills and talent of the youth, besides developing the sense of excellence among them to channelize the young energies in a right direction.
Young artists from far flung areas also showcased their talent through the presentation of cultural programmes. Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, J&K presented Vote of Thanks.
Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Dr Naseem Javaid Choudhary, Secretary, J&K Sports Council and scores of prominent artists were present on the occasion. |
