J&K’s young minds must drive social change, innovation and nation-building, says Lieutenant Governor
BuzzBytes | Jammu | January 18, 2026
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday delivered a strong message of aspiration and resolve to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to dream big, aim high and pursue their goals with courage and unwavering determination. Addressing the 7th Annual Day Celebration of the Guidance & Career Counselling Cell for Youth Development (GCC) at Gurha Slathia in Samba, the Lieutenant Governor said the future of J&K rests firmly in the hands of its young generation.
“Your future is waiting for you. Take a pledge to build a brighter J&K and work with dedication. History remembers those who dared to challenge limits, conquered fear and turned the impossible into reality,” he said, calling upon youth to become architects of social change and active partners in the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Emphasising the transformative power of young minds, the Lieutenant Governor said history is shaped not by extraordinary circumstances but by extraordinary thinking. He described youth as not merely the hope of tomorrow but the greatest strength of today, urging young people of J&K to dream boldly for the Union Territory and the nation. He noted that when aspirations soar high, the path to a developed society is carved through hard work, patience and courage.
He observed that those who take consistent, small steps towards their goals eventually lead larger transformations. “Only those who truly believe in their own potential and trust themselves go on to create history,” he said.
Highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship as engines of progress, the Lieutenant Governor encouraged the youth to adopt fresh ideas to solve societal problems and create opportunities for self-employment, describing them as powerful tools for economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
On governance and relief measures, the Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of the Government of India and the UT administration towards complete rehabilitation of families affected by recent natural calamities. He informed that, on the request of the UT administration, the Centre has approved a comprehensive allocation of ₹1,437 crore for reconstruction of damaged public infrastructure and implementation of disaster mitigation measures across affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said damaged railway bridges would be restored within three months, while flood-damaged stretches of national highways are expected to be fully restored within the next four months. Responding to a demand raised by the MLA Samba regarding construction of a railway over-bridge in the area, the Lieutenant Governor assured that the issue would be taken up with railway authorities for early resolution. He also suggested development of a pond in the area with volunteer support from youth and social organisations.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Radha Soami Satsang Beas and the High-Range Rural Development Society (HRDS) India for their selfless service to society, and commended the Guidance & Career Counselling Cell for Youth Development for its sustained efforts in empowering young people.
During his visit, he reviewed the progress of auditorium construction and upgradation works at the Government Higher Secondary School, Gurha Slathia, directing officials to ensure proper sanitation and sports facilities.
The event was attended by Surjit Singh Slathia, MLA Samba; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shakti Pathak, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Jammu–Samba–Kathua Range; Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Samba; senior officials, members of GCC, and a large number of youth. Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh Jamwal (Retd.) and several prominent personalities from diverse fields were also present.
