Srinagar, October 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that the story of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is no longer confined to the challenges of the past, but also reflects the efforts being made in the present and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Sinha felicitated the winners of the “Pedal Through Paradise” cycling event and praised the enthusiasm, determination and aspirations demonstrated by the participants.
Addressing the gathering, the L-G 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 meaningful community outreach initiatives.
He said programmes such as “Pedal Through Paradise” demonstrated the police force’s commitment to strengthening bonds of trust with citizens by combining discipline with inspiration and duty with social responsibility.
“Initiatives such as ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ are testimony to the fact that the Jammu and Kashmir Police have combined security with compassion, discipline with inspiration, and duty with social commitment, so that bonds of the heart may be forged with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the L-G said.
Sinha said the achievements of the winners symbolised the changing face of Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted the potential of its youth to contribute to inclusive growth and national development.
He added that the Civic Action Programmes of the Jammu and Kashmir Police had created new opportunities for youth engagement, skill development and sporting excellence, encouraging confidence and constructive participation in society.
“The story of Jammu and 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,” he said.
The L-G observed that Jammu and Kashmir was emerging as a land of possibilities, with young people excelling in sports, education, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Emphasising the importance of youth empowerment, he said the real progress of any region depended on providing young people with opportunities, confidence in their abilities and a strong sense of unity.
“I have always emphasised that the true upliftment of any region occurs when its youth have faith in their eyes, opportunities in their hands, and a feeling of unity in their hearts. I am confident that events such as ‘Pedal Through Paradise’ will inspire the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to contribute significantly to the development of the nation through their talent, hard work, and determination,” he said.
Sinha added that initiatives such as “Pedal Through Paradise” and “Jashn-e-Dal” were more than sporting competitions, as they promoted discipline, perseverance and resilience among participants.
He urged citizens to embrace positive ideas, knowledge and innovation for the collective advancement of society.
Describing youth as the nation’s greatest asset, the L-G encouraged the younger generation to participate actively in sports and community programmes.
He also reiterated the importance of building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that society must support and rehabilitate people affected by substance abuse with empathy and care.
Sinha called upon all stakeholders to work collectively for peace and progress and to build a healthy, prosperous and secure Jammu and Kashmir. He congratulated all participants for advancing the spirit of positive change through sports.
“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.
“All sections of society must participate in the fight against drugs. We must take three resolves today — first, we will always move forward for peace, we will move forward for progress and we will move forward to build a healthy, prosperous, secure, and bright Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said.
Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police; S.J.M. Gillani, Special Director General Coordination at Police Headquarters; Abdul Ghani Mir, Commandant General of Home Guards; Nitish Kumar, ADGP, J&K Armed Police; Ashok Yadav, ADG of the BSF; Alok Kumar, Director of Fire and Emergency Services; senior police and civil administration officers; members of cycling associations; prominent citizens; and a large number of young people attended the felicitation ceremony.
FOLLOW NOW
