Sachiv Sharma
sachivs630@gmail.com
“Our Yuva Shakti is associated with dynamism, innovation, and determination. Our youth have driven India’s growth with unmatched energy and conviction.” These are the words of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and this statement reflects his belief in his country’s youth. India is a country with a significant demographic dividend, and to take advantage of this particular phenomenon is very crucial and at the same time challenging , we need policies that cater and target every section of society, similar to Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya, which means the welfare of all, there should be upliftment of all the people. When it comes to the Aspirational Youth of Jammu and Kashmir, they are also making their mark in society and setting an example for the nation on how youth is moving towards learning skill-based education rather than void ideas of separatism. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir asks for new opportunities, new technologies, new working environments, and prestigious academic institutions such as IIMs, IITs, and AIIMS, which can usher in a new epistemological change in the state, and youth is the one which will lead this new revolution of change for good. People such as Sheetal Devi, who is the reigning World Compound Champion, have now become India’s first para athlete to be selected for an able-bodied team. She is an inspiration to the people as to how if you have a dream and dedication to achieve it, no one can stop you. Another example is of Nadia Beig, who became one of the youngest to crack the civil services exam in 2019, showing the people a way to think big and to contribute in every way possible.
Youth in Jammu and Kashmir has faced many setbacks such as internet shutdowns, which hinder their opportunities to learn and connect with the world, but now this is no more; there are no internet shutdowns, and people are always connected to the rest of the world. Khelo India Small Centres (KISCs) are under the Khelo India Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is one of the top regions in India where this scheme has expanded rapidly. Reports indicate over 61 lakh (6.1 million) youth participated in sports activities in a single year. In 2024 alone, more than 27 lakh youth engaged in organised sports events. This is one of the highest participation rates among Indian states and UTs. One of the most significant developments has been the expansion of entrepreneurship platforms through programmes like Mission YUVA, the Seed Capital Fund Scheme (SCFS), Youth Startup Loan Scheme (YSLS), and J&K Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP). These initiatives provide young people with financial support, training, and mentorship, creating an enabling environment for self-employment. Mission YUVA, for instance, has become a flagship scheme to promote youth entrepreneurship by offering subsidised loans, interest subvention, and government backed guarantees. More importantly, the scheme encourages both graduates and skilled workers to launch nano enterprises and small businesses in sectors ranging from food processing and tourism to crafts, horticulture, retail, and services.
Tourism has significantly contributed to the professional development of youth in Jammu and Kashmir by creating a strong demand for skilled workers in the service sector. As tourist inflow increased, young people began to recognise the need for training in areas such as hospitality management, culinary arts, communication skills, foreign languages, digital marketing, and adventure sports. These skills not only enhance employability but also help the youth meet national and global hospitality standards. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked a historic turning point for Jammu and Kashmir, opening new possibilities for governance reforms, economic restructuring, infrastructural development, and social integration. As the Union Territory moves through this transformative phase, the youth constituting one of the most vibrant and aspirational segments of society stand at the centre of its journey toward progress. Their perceptions, expectations, and participation are vital for shaping an inclusive and sustainable development path. A recent study highlights how the young population views economic recovery and what they consider essential for building a progressive, conflict free Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the most significant observations emerging from youth responses is the need for revitalising local economies and promoting business development. The youth firmly believe that economic sustainability cannot be achieved merely through government spending; rather, it requires deep structural reforms and opportunities for private enterprise. Investment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, education, health, and banking is seen as crucial for ensuring balanced regional growth. The aspiration for transparent governance also reflects a maturing political consciousness among young people who seek accountability in development planning and implementation. The youth also highlight the necessity for agricultural reforms, recognising the deep rural character of Jammu and Kashmir. Modern irrigation, high yield techniques, secure market chains, and post harvest infrastructure are urgently needed to elevate the productivity and income of rural communities. Furthermore, the revival of sick industrial units, especially in the Jammu region, can create sustainable employment and reduce the dependence on government jobs. Infrastructure development stands out as another key pillar of progress. Improved connectivity through highways, tunnels, and upgraded rural roads not only enhances mobility but also stimulates trade and tourism. But challenges still lies, such as the language issue with the Dogri language, which has been recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, establishing it as a language of national importance, but no major policies or improvements have been seen in the upliftment of the Dogri language, as it is not attached to employment and is not being offered at the primary level and also at the university level in a encouraging manner. We need to address this issue, as the youth of Jammu feel neglected and it is culturally damaging the Dogra identity of Jammu, which has been marginalised by the larger dominant narrative of the Kashmir centric policies. Another challenge is to maintain the trust and social harmony in the youth and give them a ray of hope that they can really do well and can set an example regardless of the circumstances, they can deliver the best. It is the youth that shows the path to society because youth consist of future political leaders, doctors, lawyers, and many other professions. If we focus on youth immensely and actively and come with policies that address their concerns, then there is an absolute assurance that they can fight with the rest of the world and can make their mark at the national level, but also at the world level .
Youth of Jammu and Kashmir is exposed to a lot of vulnerabilities, be it the idea of separatism or the question of unemployment. All these things are very serious issues, and we must deal it with an absolute commitment to communication and dialogue, so that youth feel secure and do not have to deal with the insecurities and anxieties of petty and politically motivated narratives , and thoughts.
“The future depends on what you do today.” This spirit perfectly reflects the transformational role that the youth can play. Your voice matters. Your action matters. With education, skills, resilience, and unity, the youth can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into achievements. Mahatma Gandhi’s quote “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” fits here well and tells the youth that the changes that you want to see in your society start from within you.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
