SRINAGAR, October 29: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday urged young people to stay away from drugs and actively participate in sports, innovation and nation-building, describing them as the region’s greatest strength and a key force behind its future progress.
Addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Pedal Through Paradise 2026’ at the Police Golf Course on the banks of Dal Lake, Sinha emphasised the role of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, confidence and a positive outlook among youth.
Congratulating the participants and winners of the cycling event, the Lieutenant Governor said such initiatives provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talent and channel their energy into constructive activities.
He praised the Jammu and Kashmir Police for taking initiatives beyond its routine responsibilities, noting that programmes aimed at engaging youth help strengthen public trust, promote social harmony and encourage positive community participation.
Referring to events such as ‘Jashn-e-Dal’ and ‘Pedal Through Paradise’, Sinha said these initiatives spread messages of hope, discipline and confidence while encouraging young people to connect with their surroundings and contribute to society.
The LG said youth were not merely the future of Jammu and Kashmir but also its strength in the present, adding that their achievements in sports, innovation and entrepreneurship demonstrated their potential to drive the region’s development.
Collective Efforts Needed To Combat Drug Abuse
Sinha stressed that tackling drug abuse required sustained cooperation among families, communities and young people. He called for collective efforts to protect the younger generation from addiction and ensure they remained focused on their goals.
He also emphasised the need to treat people struggling with addiction with compassion and understanding rather than subjecting them to social stigma.
The Lieutenant Governor said society had an important role in supporting recovery and helping affected individuals rebuild their lives.
He called for continued efforts to ensure that young people remained healthy, safe and motivated, stressing that their active participation was essential for building a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
