Doda, J&K, September 28, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of innovation and self-reliance, the Udyam Yuva Fest 2025 unfolded at Town Hall Doda today, drawing enthusiastic crowds of students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and local youth. Organized by the District Employment & Counselling Centre under the flagship Mission Yuva initiative, the event aimed to empower the younger generation with practical insights into startups, self-employment, and skill development, fostering a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir.As the Chief Guest, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Harvinder Singh took centre stage to deliver an inspiring address, urging the youth to boldly embrace the world of startups and self-employment. “Mission Yuva is more than a scheme—it’s a transformative movement to harness the untapped potential of our district’s youth, turning ideas into sustainable livelihoods and promoting financial inclusion,” emphasized DC Harvinder Singh. His words resonated deeply with the participants, highlighting the administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment amid Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving socio-economic landscape.The fest buzzed with interactive zones designed to spark entrepreneurial curiosity.
The Yuva Career Compass zone offered personalised guidance on career pathways, helping attendees map out their professional journeys in emerging sectors like agriculture, technology, and handicrafts. Meanwhile, the Facilitation Zones provided on-the-spot consultations with experts from the Jammu Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), banking representatives, and government departments, streamlining access to loans, subsidies, and digital registration via the Mission Yuva app. The highlight was the Skill Expo Stalls, where over 200 students from local colleges and polytechnics showcased prototypes, startup models, and innovative business ideas—from eco-friendly lavender-based products under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) to tech-driven solutions for rural challenges.
Enthusiastic student participation was a standout feature, with young innovators presenting handmade prototypes and pitching ventures that blended tradition with modernity. “This fest has opened doors I didn’t know existed—learning about self-employment schemes and networking with mentors has fueled my dream of launching a sustainable agri-startup,” shared one excited participant from Government Polytechnic College, Doda. The event also featured live demonstrations, workshops on digital tools like Aadhaar-linked registrations, and motivational sessions, creating an electric atmosphere of collaboration and ambition.This Udyam Yuva Fest aligns seamlessly with the broader Sewa Parv 2025 campaign, a nationwide drive promoting community service, environmental sustainability, health awareness, and youth empowerment. In Doda, it underscores the district’s frontrunner status in Mission Yuva implementation, having approved over 240 cases for credit-linked subsidies since its launch. As J&K Bank and other stakeholders handed out sanction letters during parallel Login Day events, the message was clear: Jammu and Kashmir is building a self-reliant future, one entrepreneurial spark at a time.
The fest concluded on a high note with pledges from participants to leverage Mission Yuva’s opportunities, reinforcing the government’s vision of a vibrant, job-creating youth demographic. For more details on Mission Yuva or to register your startup idea, visit missionyouth.jk.gov.in.
