• Emphasises talent, opportunity, and self-belief among young population
• Cultural expression reflects India’s identity and aspirations
• Calls for fearless innovation and breaking conventional paths
Jammu: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha Monday inaugurated National Youth Festival- Aarohan 2026 in Srinagar.
The Lieutenant Governor said this event declares a new vision of ‘Rise, Shine, and Conquer’ to our youth which encapsulates a complete philosophy that lights the path to the future, a promise, and a bold challenge to build a developed India @2047.
“National Youth Festival is also a proclamation that the time for youth has arrived. Through Youth Festival’s “Young Leaders Dialogue,” we are laying the very foundation and the framework on which the next chapter of India’s glorious heritage will stand tall,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that history was never made by those who waited for permission to be extraordinary. He urged the youth participating in ‘Viksit J&K Young Leaders Dialogue’, ‘Hackathon’ and ‘Cultural Event’ to rise up and commit to building a developed India that future generations will take pride in. He said governance can’t thrive without the voice of its youth and inclusive governance means ensuring young people have a real stake in the work happening across every key sector.
“Every young boy and girl has incredible talent. They just need opportunities and faith in themselves. I want India’s youth to create their own paths instead of treading well-worn trails, because innovation and invention spring from uncharted routes. What India needs is youth brave enough to shatter pre-made molds,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also stated that culture is our identity and it is the vibrant proof of our existence, revealing who we are and what dreams and aspirations drive us. He said when young people express themselves through music, art, literature, dance, theater, sports, and crafts, they are channeling the soul of India itself.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the youth must embrace their uniqueness instead of copying others and realise their full potential.
“The world doesn’t need another copy of someone who already exists. It craves no duplicates. It needs unique youth like you, individuals with one-of-a-kind personalities who don’t just shine for themselves, but light the way for those who come after,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said victory isn’t about dominating others but about conquering apathy, overcoming inequality, and defeating despair.
“Our youth must remember that humanity’s greatest triumphs weren’t won on battlefields. The biggest victories emerged from classrooms and labs, achieved by young trailblazers who refused to accept the world as they found it and transformed it through their resolve and grit. We must triumph over darkness. We must conquer the fear of bold new experiments. And we must resolve to build a strong, empathetic, and developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Shri Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services & Sports; Ashwani Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Youth Services and Sports; AkshayLabroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Ms Anuradha Gupta, Director General, Youth Services and Sports; Young leaders from various parts of the country, senior officials and youth in large number were present.
