Combat divisive forces, uphold secular values: Sadhotra to youth

Jammu, Feb 20: National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and former minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Thursday underscored the crucial role of the students and youth in nation-building, fostering unity and combating divisive forces that threaten the idea of India.
Addressing a day-long convention organised by the National Conference Students Union (NCSU) Working President Arun Pal Singh and Secretary Saqib Kichloo and Advocate Massarat Ahmed Malik, Jai Dev and Jatinder Pal Singh, at Samba, Sadhotra exhorted young people to stand against hatred and intolerance, which go against the very fabric of India’s democratic and secular ethos.
He said that unity in diversity is India’s greatest strength, and the students and youth must work toward societal upliftment by promoting a sense of camaraderie among people. In this context, he referred to the glorious pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir which has historically been a beacon of composite culture, where people from different backgrounds have coexisted peacefully for centuries.
“This unique legacy has withstood the test of time, and it is the responsibility of the students and youth to preserve and strengthen it,” he added.
The Additional General Secretary said that realisation is fast dawning upon progressive, forward-looking and peace-loving people to isolate divisive forces and work for strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood. “The people are disgusted and dejected with those believing in politics of hate and understand that reactionary political pursuits can only lead to chaos and crisis,” he said.
A Committee of Samba NCSU Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Degree College was nominated by Arun Pal Singh Working President of the NCSU, Tarun Singh Choudhary President, Sania Salathia Working President, Sandeep Atri Working President, Sandeep Kour Spokesperson, Muskan Sambyal Vice President, Pranav Sharma Vice President, Vansh Khajuria General Secretary, Rahil Choudhary Secretary.
Sadhotra and other leaders congratulated the newly constituted NCSU committee of Samba and hoped that they will play a vital role among students and youth to strengthen secularism, negate the hate spread over by the divisive forces and strengthen National Conference and its leadership.
The NC leader urged young students to aim high and strive for academic excellence, asserting that education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of any nation.
“The government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to ensuring all the logistics in educational institutions so that the students grow in healthy environments,” he added.
Expressing concern over the rising unemployment among educated youth, Sadhotra called for a comprehensive strategy to tackle this pressing issue.