Srinagar, June 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the need for collective efforts to counter the neighboring country’s nefarious attempts at promoting drug use in Jammu and Kashmir. He made these remarks while gracing the prestigious ‘Pedal for Peace’ Cycle Race – 2023 Awards Ceremony, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Police. The event witnessed the participation of 2557 cyclists across eight categories, concluding with the felicitation of the winners by the Lt Governor, who commended their remarkable enthusiasm, commitment, and passion.
In his address, Lieutenant Governor Sinha called upon all sections of society to unite and fight against the drug menace. He highlighted the positive direction taken by the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, considering them as role models for the entire nation. Their unwavering dedication and drive towards progress have transformed the region into a hub of enterprise, innovation, and invention, garnering admiration from across the country.
During his speech, Lt. Governor Sinha shared an inspiring statistic from the recent 2nd convocation of Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora. He proudly revealed that 63 per cent of the gold medalists were girls, describing it as a positive trend. Recognizing the growing aspiration among the youth to transform India into a developed nation, he commended the young generation, particularly the daughters, for scripting new history in every sector.
Speaking about the progress made in sports activities, Lt. Governor Sinha highlighted the significant change witnessed since 2019. Previously, limited infrastructure hindered the dreams of aspiring athletes, with only 4-5 lakh youth able to achieve their sporting aspirations each year. However, in 2022, over 60 lakh youth participated in various sports categories, indicating their connection with the dreams of the nation and their active contribution to the new Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized the role of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Civic Action plan in nurturing youth talent, stating that these efforts have yielded successful outcomes in the past. Recognizing sports as a universal language of peace, progress, and prosperity, he highlighted its role in keeping the youth physically fit and fostering social skills. Both the UT administration and J&K Police are actively connecting youth in villages and cities, ensuring their positive contribution from grassroots to the community level.
Underlining the administration’s focus on sports as a medium for positive change, Lt. Governor Sinha stated that the relevant skills and knowledge acquired through sports would bring about a positive transformation in society. He also highlighted the innovative endeavours of some youth, who are leveraging technology to improve the lives of farmers. Their contributions, along with the initiation of 3 lakh youth ventures last year, are playing a crucial role in shaping the new Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt. Governor Sinha concluded his speech by expressing his pride in the enthusiasm and commitment of the young generation, calling it the biggest asset of the J&K administration. He acknowledged their ability to channel their energy and transform the region into a land of enterprise, innovation, and invention, which has garnered appreciation nationwide. He emphasized that the ‘Pedal for Peace’ event symbolizes peace, progress, and prosperity, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and celebrate their unique qualities.
The awards ceremony was attended by esteemed personalities including Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; R K Goyal, ACS, Home Department; Dilbag Singh, DGP; SJM Gillani, ADGP J&K Armed Police, along with senior officers of the police and Civil Administration. Prominent sports personalities and members of the J&K Cycling Association also graced the occasion, contributing to the overall success of the event.
