Sinha Urges club to leverage its public trust and medical expertise for social transformation in J&K
Srinagar : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called upon the Rotary Club of Kashmir to expand its role beyond traditional social service by focusing on youth mentorship, environmental conservation and the campaign against drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the Rotary Club of Kashmir’s installation ceremony in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the newly elected office bearers and extended his best wishes to the outgoing president. He said Rotary International has, for more than a century, remained a global force for humanitarian service, bringing positive change through its commitment to selfless service.
Sinha said that since 2019, as Jammu and Kashmir has progressed on the path of development, the Rotary Club has made significant contributions through medical initiatives across North and South Kashmir as well as the Jammu region. He urged the incoming leadership to carry forward the organisation’s legacy with greater commitment and tangible impact.
Highlighting priority areas for the organisation, the Lieutenant Governor said the Rotary Club should establish a professional guidance network to connect talented youth from remote areas with experienced professionals. He also encouraged the club to promote digital education and skill development programmes to prepare young people for emerging opportunities.
On environmental conservation, Sinha said efforts should move beyond routine plantation drives towards scientifically planned and community-based initiatives for protecting rivers, lakes and forests. He urged the Rotary Club to involve educational and research institutions and actively engage young people in environmental protection.
The Lieutenant Governor also described the campaign for a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir as the most important area requiring collective action. Referring to the administration’s 100-day anti-drug campaign, he called upon the Rotary Club to become an active partner by organising de-addiction camps, awareness programmes in educational institutions and livelihood and skill-development initiatives for youth.
“The Rotary Club possesses medical expertise and enjoys public trust. It can make a meaningful contribution in building a prosperous, peaceful and drug-free Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Sinha said Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” should inspire members to work for lasting social transformation and strengthen community engagement across the Union Territory.
The ceremony was attended by Rotary District Governor Anil Kumar Singhal, Rotary Club Kashmir President Dr.Touseef Bhatt, outgoing President Jagjit Singh, Secretary Adil Shah, office bearers and members of the club.
Among those present were Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar AkshayLabroo, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Javid Ahmad Tenga and several prominent citizens.
