New Delhi : A 250-member youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, participating in the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ initiative, called on Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, aims to promote national integration by enabling youth from the region to explore different parts of the country and gain broader exposure.
Interacting with the delegation, the Vice President expressed his delight at meeting young, talented, and determined participants from Jammu and Kashmir. Recalling his recent visit to Srinagar for the convocation at the University of Kashmir, he noted visible progress in women’s empowerment and development in the region.
He also highlighted the achievement of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team in winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, describing it as a reflection of the growing aspirations and capabilities of the youth.
Commending the Ministry of Home Affairs for the initiative, Radhakrishnan said such programmes help young people connect with the idea of a shared national identity while building confidence, awareness, and ambition, in line with the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
Describing Jammu and Kashmir as a region of immense natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, he said it holds significant potential as a global tourism destination. He encouraged the youth to seize emerging opportunities in education, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship, and contribute towards building a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future.
The Vice President also expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of students from the region succeeding in competitive examinations such as Civil Services, IITs, and IIMs. He urged the youth to stay away from drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle, emphasising that a strong nation is built on a healthy and empowered younger generation.
Encouraging the participants to believe in themselves and remain connected to their roots, he called upon them to contribute towards building a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, noting that national progress depends on the development of every state and region.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh was also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the developmental transformation of Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade under the leadership of Narendra Modi and noted the rising aspirations and achievements of the region’s youth across various fields.