Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha flagged off a contingent of 55 young representatives from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for their participation in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and the National Youth Festival 2025 in New Delhi. During the flag-off ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with the youth and officials, offering his best wishes for their participation in the prestigious event. He encouraged the young delegates to seize this unique opportunity to showcase their leadership abilities and talents in areas such as folk dance, poetry, literature, painting, and music. “Youth are the ones who carve their own destiny and shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Never settle for mediocrity. Erase the word ‘impossible’ from your vocabulary, and move ahead with unwavering determination and self-belief,” said the Lieutenant Governor, emphasising the important role that the youth play in not only shaping their own futures but also contributing to the larger national landscape. The Lieutenant Governor spoke about the vision and objectives of the National Youth Festival, noting its significance as a platform that prepares youth to face future challenges and responsibilities. He emphasised that the event instills a sense of duty and patriotism, helping equip young people with the skills and spirit necessary to take on leadership roles in building a self-reliant and prosperous nation. “The National Youth Festival is a vital initiative to channel the energy of young minds toward nation-building, while also providing them with a space to express their creativity and diverse talents. Through this festival, our youth are not only given a platform to perform but also to reflect on their role in shaping the future of India,” said LG Shri Manoj Sinha. He also highlighted the cultural importance of Jammu and Kashmir’s participation in the National Youth Festival. The region occupies a prominent position on India’s cultural map, and the event provides an exceptional opportunity to promote and celebrate its rich cultural heritage on a national stage. It will also contribute to the broader goal of enriching cultural consciousness across the country. “Jammu and Kashmir’s culture is diverse and vibrant. The National Youth Festival offers an invaluable opportunity to make this cultural legacy widely known, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and enriched national identity,” he said. Further emphasising the social impact of such events, he pointed out that the National Youth Festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together youth from different districts, backgrounds, and communities. This fosters mutual understanding and appreciation of the various cultures, talents, and experiences that shape the diverse fabric of India. It is through such interactions that youth learn the values of tolerance, collaboration, and respect for diversity, he added. At the flag-off event, the youth contingent shared their excitement and insights into the themes they would be representing at the National Youth Festival. Many discussed the roles of younger generations in realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat and highlighted their commitment to contributing to building a strong, vibrant, and progressive nation. His address reinforced the importance of youth participation in national development and underscored the critical role of government institutions in empowering young people to excel in all aspects of life.