Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha recently interacted with a youth delegation from Tamil Nadu at Raj Bhawan, as part of the Yuva Sangam initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme. The delegation’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, spanning five days, aimed to foster cultural exchange and strengthen the bond between youth from different regions of India. The Lieutenant Governor warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing his appreciation for their enthusiasm and active participation in the initiative. In his address, Shri Manoj Sinha emphasised the importance of the Yuva Sangam programme, which promotes unity in diversity by facilitating meaningful interactions, cultural exchanges, and knowledge sharing among the youth from different States and Union Territories. “Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir share an eternal connection, deeply rooted in our rich and inspiring history. Both regions have contributed to shaping the destiny of our great nation,” he remarked, underscoring the historical and cultural ties between the two regions. The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the crucial role of the Ministry of Education in facilitating the Yuva Sangam initiative and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for unlocking the power of India’s diversity through the spirit of oneness. “I am truly grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for unlocking the power of India’s diversity with the spirit of oneness,” he said, highlighting how such initiatives play an essential role in building unity and mutual respect among the youth of India. He also pointed out the growing social consciousness among India’s youth. He noted that today’s young people are not only dreaming big for their personal futures but are increasingly focused on the nation’s development. “The social consciousness of our youth is sharp, and they have big dreams not just for themselves, but for the progress of this great nation,” he stated, acknowledging the youth’s proactive role in addressing national challenges. He spoke of the policies and programmes launched by the Government of India in the past decade, which have created a supportive environment for young people to realise their dreams. “Our youth are not just thinking about the future; they are actively working towards constructive change for a prosperous, equal, and just society,” the Lieutenant Governor noted, emphasising the active participation of youth in shaping a positive future for the country. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu are paired under the Yuva Sangam initiative, which encourages exchanges between youth from both states. These interactions allow them to learn from each other’s cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Shri Sinha remarked that initiatives like Yuva Sangam are crucial in building bridges of understanding and cooperation between young people from diverse backgrounds. “Jammu & Kashmir and Tamil Nadu are two diverse states with distinct histories, languages, and cultural practices. However, through initiatives like Yuva Sangam, we are building bridges that connect our youth in meaningful ways,” he said. He expressed his confidence that the Yuva Sangam initiative will play a key role in shaping a generation of youth who are not only aware of their rich heritage but are also passionate about contributing to the nation’s growth. He emphasised that such exchanges create lasting bonds and deepen the understanding of India’s diversity while reinforcing a sense of unity. Through the programme, youth from different regions are encouraged to learn from each other’s unique cultures and experiences, further strengthening the fabric of national unity. He praised the Tamil Nadu youth delegation for their participation and encouraged them to continue learning and growing through such exchanges. He reiterated that the youth of India, with their sharp social consciousness and commitment to national progress, are pivotal in driving the country toward a prosperous and inclusive future. “The future of our nation lies in the hands of the youth,” he said, affirming that through unity, collaboration, and shared purpose, young people will shape the future of India. The interaction with the Tamil Nadu youth delegation was a celebration of India’s diversity and the power of its youth to bridge gaps, share knowledge, and contribute to the country’s collective progress. Through programmes like Yuva Sangam, the country is not only promoting unity in diversity but also empowering young Indians to be the torchbearers of change and progress in an increasingly interconnected world.