SRINAGAR: In a major stride towards youth led national development, the YUVA CONNECT initiative under the Viksit Bharat@2047 mission has been launched to ignite civic awareness, leadership and active participation among India's young population.

Spearheaded by the Union Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports, the initiative is being implemented across premier higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. These included IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, NIT Srinagar, Jammu University, SMVDU, AIIMS Vijaypur and various degree colleges.

The initiative was formally introduced during an informative session that outlined the implementation framework, with activities and timelines as per the Concept Note circulated by the Ministry.

The interactive virtual session was chaired by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya and was attended by Sports Ministers for different States/UTs of the country.

Speaking during the interaction session, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Satish Sharma, emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping a progressive nation. He said, "YUVA CONNECT is not just a program, it's a movement to empower our students with the tools of leadership, civic responsibility and innovation. As we march towards a developed India by 2047, our youth must be at the forefront, acting as torchbearers of social transformation and inclusive development."

The Minister highlighted the need for developing border sports and allied infrastructure in J&K, promoting economic upliftment and provide psychological relief to the residents living in tense border environments. He urged the Union Sports Ministry for prioritising the border areas by providing special financial assistance/package in order to built a better Sports infrastructure and to create a conducive sports environment in these vulnerable areas.

"Our border areas are filled with untapped potential for tourism. Developing this sector, along with robust infrastructure, will not only generate local employment but also provide a sense of normalcy and dignity to families living under constant stress near the borders," the Minister asserted and requested the Union Ministry for its support in this connection.

During further interaction, Satish Sharma put forth suggestions for a mega plantation drive across the country during inauguration of the Yuva Connect programme, as an initiative for more greener India.