Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed students and faculty at the Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect program held at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, calling upon the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to be the torchbearers of peace, progress, and prosperity.
The event, part of the nationwide Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect initiative launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to bridge the gap between young citizens and policymakers, promoting structured youth engagement in India’s development journey.
“Youth will create a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir and ensure long-lasting peace and prosperity,” LG Sinha said, urging students to become changemakers and leaders of tomorrow. He emphasized that in the 21st century, despite challenges, youth are the most valuable asset with the power to spark socio-economic transformation.
The program is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Pran’ vision and the objectives of Engage, Encourage, Enable, and Inspire, seeking to develop young leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to India@2047. LG Sinha encouraged students to take bold initiatives, remain persistent, and learn from failures to shape a “Viksit Bharat”.
Pledge for Drug-Free Campuses
Taking a firm stand against drug abuse, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated his resolve to make every university in J&K drug-free. He proposed a set of key measures including mandatory anti-drug pledges at admission, the formation of ‘Say No To Drugs’ student committees under faculty supervision, confidential reporting systems, access to support helplines like Tele-Manas, and the integration of de-addiction awareness into university curricula.
“Only drug-free campuses can contribute to true nation-building,” LG Sinha asserted.
Highlighting the need for institutional excellence, LG Sinha praised IUST for its recent reforms and urged the university to establish a semiconductor lab to align with emerging national priorities. He said, “We can’t build a developed India without developing J&K. Our universities must lead the way.”
He also released IUST’s Institutional Development Plan and a university publication focused on future-readiness and academic excellence.
In a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a screening of “Sardar @150” was held, followed by Yuva Samvad, an open dialogue session encouraging students to express their views on civic duties, development, and national progress.
The Lieutenant Governor also administered the Viksit Bharat Shapath, a collective pledge of commitment to India’s development.
The LG congratulated winners of various youth competitions held as part of the pre-events and expressed his best wishes for the formal launch of the Viksit Bharat – Yuva Connect Program by PM Modi on August 12. The launch will simultaneously engage students and faculty across 1,339 universities nationwide.
Also present at the event were Shantmanu (Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education), DC Pulwama Basharat Qayoom, IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. A. H. Moon, Registrar Prof. Abdul Wahid, senior officials, and hundreds of students and faculty members.
