Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to stay away from drugs, embrace sports and actively contribute to the region’s development, stressing that their participation is vital to building a peaceful, healthy and prosperous society.
Addressing the closing ceremony of ‘Pedal Through Paradise 2026’ at the Police Golf Course on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Sinha said sports promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and healthy living while providing young people with a constructive outlet for their energy and ambitions.
Congratulating the participants and winners of the cycling event, he said such initiatives offer young people a platform to showcase their abilities, develop confidence and cultivate a spirit of determination and cooperation.
The Lieutenant Governor said greater participation in sports could encourage healthier lifestyles and help youth develop the discipline and resilience needed to achieve their goals. He also commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police for organising public engagement programmes aimed at strengthening social harmony and encouraging youth participation.
Referring to initiatives such as ‘Jashn-e-Dal’ and ‘Pedal Through Paradise’, Sinha said such events bring communities together, build confidence among young people and encourage their positive engagement with society.
Describing youth as a key force shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s present and future, he highlighted their achievements in sports, innovation and entrepreneurship as evidence of their potential to drive the region’s progress.
He called for sustained efforts to expand opportunities for young people to develop their skills, pursue their aspirations and participate in social and developmental activities.
Expressing concern over drug abuse, Sinha stressed the need for a sustained and collective response involving families, communities and young people. He urged youth to make responsible choices, avoid substance abuse and adopt healthy habits.
Emphasising the importance of public awareness and community participation, he said the fight against addiction must be accompanied by compassion and support for those affected.
People struggling with substance abuse, he said, should not be subjected to social stigma but should instead receive the assistance needed to recover and rebuild their lives with dignity.
Sinha stressed that society has a shared responsibility to help individuals affected by addiction and create an environment in which they can seek support without fear of discrimination.
He reiterated that ensuring a safe and healthy future for Jammu and Kashmir’s youth required the active involvement of all sections of society. Greater participation in sports and other constructive activities, he said, could help young people make positive life choices and contribute meaningfully to the region’s development.
The closing ceremony of ‘Pedal Through Paradise 2026’ highlighted the role of sports in promoting fitness, empowering young people and strengthening collective efforts towards a healthier and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
