VP Radhakrishnan Hosts J&K Youth, Pushes Integration Drive
‘Watan Ko Jano’ outreach highlights youth power, women leadership, and rising aspirations in Jammu & Kashmir
- 250-member J&K youth delegation meets Vice President in Delhi
- ‘Watan Ko Jano’ seen as a boost to national integration
- VP highlights women’s leadership and Ranji Trophy win
- Youth urged to stay away from drugs, build a developed India
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th April: A 250-member youth delegation from Jammu & Kashmir, participating in the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ initiative, called on Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, underlining efforts to strengthen national integration and youth engagement.
The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with the Jammu & Kashmir administration, aims to expose young participants to diverse regions of India and foster a shared national identity.
Addressing the delegation, the Vice President praised the energy and aspirations of the youth, recalling his recent visit to Srinagar for the University of Kashmir convocation. He noted visible progress in women’s empowerment in the region, stating that increasing female leadership in education reflects a transformative phase in Jammu & Kashmir.
Highlighting sporting achievements, he referred to the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team’s maiden Ranji Trophy victory, calling it a testament to the growing confidence and potential of the region’s youth.
Emphasising the importance of initiatives like ‘Watan Ko Jano’, he said such programmes strengthen the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” by connecting young citizens with the broader national framework, while building confidence and aspiration.
Describing Jammu & Kashmir as a region of immense natural beauty and cultural richness, the Vice President said it holds strong potential to emerge as a global tourism hub. He urged the youth to seize expanding opportunities in education, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship, and contribute towards building a peaceful and prosperous future.
He also lauded students from the region for excelling in competitive examinations such as Civil Services, IIT, and IIM entrances, reflecting rising aspirations and academic progress.
In a message of social responsibility, he advised young participants to stay away from drugs and encourage others to do the same, stressing that a healthy youth population is essential for a strong nation.
Calling upon them to believe in their abilities and remain connected to their roots, he urged the youth to contribute actively towards building a developed and self-reliant India.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who was also present, highlighted the developmental changes witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir over the past decade under the leadership of Narendra Modi, noting that the aspirations of the region’s youth have expanded significantly across sectors.
