NEW DELHI, Mar 28: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that over the last 11 years, the Modi Government has enabled the mainstreaming of youth from Jammu & Kashmir, which has in turn raised their level of self-confidence and aspiration.
Interacting with participants of the 6th Kashmir Youth Exchange Programme, “Watan Ko Jaano”, organised by My Bharat under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Minister said that youth from Jammu & Kashmir are now emerging as toppers in civil services and other competitive examinations. He said that earlier, many young people from the region were hesitant to step beyond their immediate surroundings, but today they are confidently engaging with opportunities across the country and contributing to national sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and aviation.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision articulated in 2014, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that focused attention was given to regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the North East which had remained on the margins of development for long. He said that sustained policy support and targeted interventions have helped bridge this gap, and the visible change in the confidence, mobility, and aspirations of youth from Jammu & Kashmir reflects this transformation.
The interaction provided a platform for young participants from districts such as Pulwama, Bandipora, Anantnag and Kupwara to share their experiences of connecting with the rest of the country. Many participants spoke about their visits to national institutions including Parliament, Legislative Assembly and Rashtrapati Bhavan, describing how such exposure has strengthened their sense of belonging and participation in India’s democratic framework.
Participants shared that programmes like this are helping youth from Jammu & Kashmir move beyond earlier limitations and actively engage with diverse cultures and communities across the country. Several students noted that there is a growing sense of trust and openness, and that more young people are now willing to explore opportunities outside the region and build meaningful connections.
Young achievers from the region, including those pursuing careers in sports and competitive examinations, also highlighted both their progress and their aspirations. Some participants pointed to the need for further strengthening of sports infrastructure, access to coaching and availability of facilities in Jammu & Kashmir to fully realise the potential of local talent. Responding to these inputs, the Minister said that the ecosystem for sports and youth development in Jammu & Kashmir is steadily improving, with greater transparency in selection processes and increased investment in infrastructure. He cited the recent Ranji trophy victory by J&K Cricket team.
Suggestions were also received regarding improving logistical arrangements and enhancing structured interaction with students from other parts of the country through institutional visits and peer engagement. The Minister acknowledged these suggestions and indicated that such inputs would help further strengthen the design of future programmes.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the transformation underway in Jammu & Kashmir is part of a larger effort to ensure that no region or section of society remains left behind in the country’s development journey. He said that the increasing participation of youth from Jammu & Kashmir in national life is a clear indication of this shift, and that their growing confidence and aspirations will play an important role in shaping India’s future.
The programme concluded with cultural presentations by the participants, showcasing the rich heritage of Jammu & Kashmir and reinforcing the spirit of integration and shared identity.
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