Poonch, October 16,2026- The Indian Army on Friday inaugurated a vocational training centre, ‘Nayi Manzil’, at Dharati village in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir under Operation Sadbhavna, officials said. The centre aims to equip local youth with practical skills, career guidance and counselling, helping them explore employment opportunities and move towards self-reliance.
A platform for skills and aspirations
According to officials, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between aspirations and opportunities. It offers a supportive platform for skill enhancement, personal development and professional growth, particularly for young people in the border district who often have limited access to training facilities.
Officials said the centre will provide hands-on vocational training along with guidance and counselling, so that participants can make informed career choices. By combining technical skills with mentoring, the programme aims to prepare youth for jobs as well as for self-employment ventures.
Building confidence and community development
Envisioned as a catalyst for positive change, ‘Nayi Manzil’ will encourage young individuals to realise their potential, build confidence and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their communities. Officials noted that when youth gain employable skills, the benefits extend to families and villages, strengthening local economies from the grassroots.
The initiative also underlines the importance of vocational education in promoting entrepreneurship, financial independence and inclusive growth. In border areas such as Poonch, where opportunities can be limited, such centres can play a significant role in widening the options available to young people.
Operation Sadbhavna and community outreach
The inauguration, officials said, reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to community welfare and youth development through people-centric initiatives under Operation Sadbhavna. The long-running outreach programme focuses on education, healthcare, infrastructure, women’s empowerment and skill development in remote and border regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Through such efforts, the Army seeks to engage directly with local communities and support their aspirations, strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.
A new beginning for local youth
Officials described ‘Nayi Manzil’, which translates as “new destination”, as a symbol of a new beginning of hope, opportunity and empowerment. They said it further strengthens the enduring bond between the Indian Army and the Awam, while advancing the vision of a skilled, empowered and self-reliant India.
With the centre now operational at Dharati, local youth are expected to gain access to training and guidance close to home, without the need to travel long distances in search of opportunities. Officials expressed hope that the initiative would inspire more young people to pursue skill-based careers and contribute to the progress of their communities.
