Sakeena Itoo Highlights Youth Potential at Valedictory Session of Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program at Cluster University Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, emphasized the transformative potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth during her address at the valedictory session of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect program held at Amar Singh College, organized by Cluster University Srinagar (CUS).
The Minister stated that young people are key drivers of positive societal change and must be empowered to build a developed and equitable society. She stressed the role of youth in raising awareness on critical issues such as drug abuse, health, and hygiene. “Our youth are immensely talented, as reflected in the numerous events and activities under the Viksit Bharat initiative by Cluster University and other educational institutions,” she remarked.
Highlighting the importance of nurturing youth talent, the Minister called for exploring and harnessing their potential as essential contributors to nation-building. She lauded the university’s efforts in successfully organizing the pre-event activities of the program, which aims to foster dialogue, participatory governance, and leadership development among young people.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth-centric initiatives, Sakeena Itoo appreciated the impressive talent displayed during the youth parliament organized by the university, suggesting that many students have promising futures in politics and can serve as catalysts for social change.
In his remarks, Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Higher Education Department, elaborated on the vision behind the Yuva Connect initiative. He underscored its role in instilling patriotism and preparing youth to contribute effectively to India’s progress toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. “Youth are the driving force behind a progressive India, and such platforms channel their energy into constructive avenues,” he said, encouraging students to actively participate in nation-building.
Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, Professor Mohammad Mobin, delivered the welcome address, outlining recent university initiatives such as the introduction of innovative courses, recruitment of faculty, and launch of Ph.D. research programs. He explained the concept of the Cluster University—India’s first—established by the J&K Government in 2016 to boost academics and research through job-oriented courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Professor Mobin also highlighted the university’s commitment to fulfilling the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in cultivating a strong research culture.
Registrar Professor Syed Wilayat Rizvi, in his concluding remarks, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of students, university, and college staff in the successful execution of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect activities. He shared insights into the national initiative designed to inspire youth engagement in India’s development.
The Minister also felicitated winners of various competitions held under the program, including the Inter-College Debate, Youth Parliament, and Poster Competition on Drug Abuse.
As part of the event, the Viksit Bharat Pledge was administered to attendees. The program also featured an audiovisual presentation on the pre-event activities and a special documentary screening on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Other dignitaries present included Dean Academic Affairs Professor Nazir Ahmad Simnani; Registrar Professor Wilayat Rizvi; Controller of Examinations Professor Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Nodal Principal Professor Seema Naz; Principal Amar Singh College Professor Ajaz Ahmad Hakak; deans, principals, faculty members, and a large number of students.
The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program, launched by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to provide a platform for youth to share ideas, engage in policy dialogues, and contribute to India’s development vision for 2047.
