‘YUVA CONNECT’ launched to empower youth Under Viksit Bharat-2047 Vision

Srinagar, July 1: In a significant step towards youth-led national development, the ‘YUVA CONNECT’ initiative has been launched under the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision to foster civic engagement, leadership, and innovation among the younger generation.An official statement issued here said that spearheaded by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the initiative is being implemented across leading higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, including IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, NIT Srinagar, Jammu University, SMVDU, AIIMS Vijaypur, and several degree colleges. The programme was formally introduced during an orientation session outlining the implementation framework and timeline, as per the concept note issued by the Ministry. The virtual session was chaired by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and attended by Sports Ministers from various States and Union Territories. Speaking on the occasion, J&K Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, underscored the pivotal role of youth in nation-building. “YUVA CONNECT is not merely a programme but a movement to equip students with the tools of leadership, civic duty, and innovation. As we work towards a developed India by 2047, our youth must lead the way as agents of positive change and inclusive growth,” he said. Sharma also highlighted the urgent need to strengthen sports infrastructure in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that it would promote economic development and provide much-needed psychological relief to communities living under constant tension. He appealed to the Union Ministry to extend special financial support for the creation of robust sports infrastructure in these sensitive regions, which he said hold untapped potential for tourism and local employment.  The Minister proposed a nationwide plantation drive to be launched alongside the YUVA CONNECT initiative, aiming to contribute to a greener and more sustainable India.