Srinagar, October 29 ,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday felicitated the winners of the “Pedal Through Paradise” cycling event, praising the enthusiasm, determination and aspirations displayed by participants and describing youth as the greatest strength of the nation.
Addressing the gathering in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the cycling event reflected the optimism, self-confidence and vibrant spirit of a changing Jammu and Kashmir, driven by the energy, talent and ambitions of its young generation.
He commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police for extending their role beyond security and law enforcement through community outreach initiatives that promote sports, social responsibility and constructive engagement with citizens.
“Jammu Kashmir Police have combined security with compassion, discipline with inspiration, and duty with social commitment,” the Lieutenant Governor said, highlighting the importance of strengthening public trust through initiatives that bring the police closer to communities.
Youth at the Centre of Development
The Lieutenant Governor said the achievements of the cycling event’s winners symbolised the changing face of Jammu and Kashmir and demonstrated the potential of young people to contribute to inclusive growth and national development.
He noted that the Civic Action Programmes of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had created opportunities for youth engagement, skill development and sporting excellence, encouraging young people to participate positively in society.
“The story of Jammu Kashmir is no longer confined to the challenges of the past but it is also the story of the efforts of the present and the possibilities of the future,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of providing opportunities to young people, Sinha said the region was emerging as a place where youth were making progress in sports, education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He observed that the true development of any region depended on young people having confidence in their abilities, access to meaningful opportunities and a strong sense of unity.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that events such as “Pedal Through Paradise” would inspire more young people to pursue their ambitions and contribute to the nation’s development through talent, hard work and determination.
Sports Promote Discipline and Resilience
Sinha said initiatives such as “Pedal Through Paradise” and “Jashn-e-Dal” went beyond sporting competitions by encouraging discipline, perseverance, resilience and a spirit of collective participation.
He called upon the youth to actively engage in sports and community programmes, adding that positive activities could help channel their energy towards constructive goals.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that providing platforms for young people to showcase their abilities was a collective responsibility of society. He said their energy needed positive direction, their talent required encouragement, and their aspirations deserved opportunities to be realised.
He also acknowledged the role of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in organising activities that encourage participation, build confidence and strengthen connections between institutions and citizens.
Call for a Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir
Reiterating the importance of building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor urged all sections of society to participate actively in the fight against substance abuse.
He emphasised that efforts to address drug addiction must combine public awareness, community participation, empathy and rehabilitation for those affected.
Calling for collective commitment towards the region’s future, Sinha urged citizens to uphold peace, accelerate development and work towards a healthy, prosperous and secure Jammu and Kashmir.
“We must take three resolves today—first, we will always move forward for peace, we will move forward for progress and we will move forward to build a healthy, prosperous, secure, and bright Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the winners and all participants, appreciating their enthusiasm and sporting spirit. He said such events could play an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles while strengthening the values of unity, discipline and social responsibility.
Senior Officials Attend Felicitation Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by DGP Nalin Prabhat; Special DG Coordination, Police Headquarters, S.J.M. Gillani; Commandant General Home Guards Abdul Ghani Mir; ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar; ADG BSF Ashok Yadav; Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar; and other senior officers of the police and civil administration.
Members of cycling associations, prominent citizens and a large number of young people were also present.
The event highlighted the role of sports and community engagement in promoting youth participation, public awareness and a shared commitment to a peaceful, healthy and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
