Satish Sharma highlights youth empowerment, sports promotion at Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme

SRINAGAR: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, and Information Technology, Satish Sharma, today highlighted the immense potential of youth in ensuring the transformation of Nation. He was addressing the students and faculty at the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme held at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

Director SKIMS, Dr Ashraf Ganie, Additional Director, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Senior faculty members and students were present on the occasion. Describing the programme as a vision for a “Viksit Bharat”, a developed India, where youth play a central role in shaping the nation’s future, the Minister said since India has largest percentage of youth as its population thereby we have to ensure that they are properly addressed and also curb the spread of substance abuse.

“Sports, education, technology and community engagement have been given unprecedented importance across the country, and we are ensuring the same focus in every corner of our Union Territory,” Sharma said. “Sports are not just about competition; they build discipline, unity, and responsibility among our youth.”

Commending SKIMS for promoting sports alongside its primary mission of healthcare, the Minister lauded its contribution to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. “Substance abuse destroys lives and futures. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive activities, institutions like SKIMS are making a real difference,” added the Minister.

Addressing the youth, Satish Sharma emphasised “You are not just the future, you are the present. The choices you make today will define the India of tomorrow.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to support the youth through better infrastructure, skill development, sports facilities and digital empowerment. The Minister assured that SKIMS’s request for developing the sports infrastructure would be examined on priority, adding, “When we invest in youth, we invest in the nation’s future.”

Satish Sharma called for collective efforts to eliminate the drug abuse, strengthen communities and work towards an India where health, education and opportunity are accessible to all. “The road to Viksit Bharat runs through the energy, creativity and determination of our youth and with your passion, we will get there,” Sharma concluded.

Director SKIMS, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the  role of youth in different aspects of life. Satish Sharma also e-inaugurated lift services in State Cancer Institute, Boom Barrier System and Bio Gas plant on the occasion. He also released the Annual Appraisal Report of SKIIMS on the occasion. Satish Sharma also distributed the certificates and trophies among the winners of the cricket tournament organised by the SKIIMS.