SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday felicitated the winners of the ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ cycling event, praising the enthusiasm, determination and aspirations displayed by participants.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the event reflected the optimism, self-confidence and vibrant spirit of a new Jammu and Kashmir, driven by the energy and talent of its youth.
He commended the Jammu and Kashmir Police for extending their role beyond security and law enforcement through community outreach initiatives. He said programmes such as ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ help strengthen public trust by combining discipline with inspiration and official duty with social responsibility.
The Lieutenant Governor said the achievements of the winners symbolised the changing face of Jammu and Kashmir and demonstrated the potential of young people to contribute to inclusive growth and national development.
He observed that the Civic Action Programmes of the J&K Police had opened new avenues for youth engagement, skill development and sporting excellence, encouraging confidence and constructive participation in society.
“The story of Jammu Kashmir is no longer confined to the challenges of the past but it is also the story of the efforts of the present and the possibilities of the future,” Sinha said.
Highlighting the Union Territory’s growing opportunities, he said young people were making their mark in sports, education, innovation and entrepreneurship. He emphasised that sustainable progress depended on ensuring that youth had access to opportunities, confidence in their abilities and a strong sense of unity.
Sinha expressed confidence that initiatives such as ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ would inspire young people to contribute to nation-building through talent, hard work and determination.
He also highlighted the significance of initiatives such as ‘Jashn-e-Dal’, saying that such programmes went beyond sporting competitions by promoting discipline, perseverance and resilience among participants. He urged citizens to embrace positive thinking, knowledge and innovation for collective progress.
Reiterating the importance of building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor called upon all sections of society to join the fight against substance abuse. He stressed that those affected by addiction should be supported and rehabilitated with empathy and care.
“It is the collective responsibility of all of us to provide the youth with platforms where their energy receives a positive direction, their talent receives encouragement, and their dreams receive the opportunity to be realised,” he said.
Calling for coordinated efforts to secure a brighter future for the Union Territory, Sinha urged all stakeholders to work together for peace, progress and a healthy, prosperous and secure Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present at the felicitation ceremony were DGP Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination at Police Headquarters S.J.M. Gillani, Commandant General Home Guards Abdul Ghani Mir, ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar, ADG BSF Ashok Yadav, Director Fire and Emergency Services Alok Kumar, senior police and civil administration officers, members of cycling associations, prominent citizens and a large number of youth.
