Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 12: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, hosted an evening meal for around 100 students hailing from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This gathering took place alongside the ongoing “National Youth Festival 2025”, organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Focusing on the themes of innovation and StartUps, Dr. Singh encouraged the young attendees to utilize the festival as a springboard for transforming their inventive ideas into concrete actions aimed at realizing a Viksit Bharat, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While addressing the assembly, Dr. Singh urged the youth from J&K to identify and tap into local resources for starting up and livelihood opportunities. He highlighted the significance of youth-led initiatives in influencing India’s development trajectory.
“Events like the National Youth Festival 2025 offer young individuals an exceptional opportunity to channel their creativity, dreams, and energy into meaningful contributions toward a developed India,” he remarked.
The Minister praised the energy and involvement of the students, noting that their engagement signifies the growing dynamism of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. “The participation of youth from these regions is indicative of their readiness to contribute to India’s growth story. Your innovative thoughts and actions hold the promise of transformative changes for your communities and the nation at large,” added Dr. Singh.
Dr. Singh outlined various initiatives led by the Ministry of Science and Technology aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. He illustrated how these efforts have spurred the growth of StartUps, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, where young entrepreneurs have made strides in areas such as lavender cultivation under the Aroma Mission. He urged the students to draw inspiration from these success narratives and explore opportunities in biotechnology, agritech, and renewable energy sectors.
Dr. Singh reassured the students of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting their entrepreneurial aspirations and assisting them in translating creative ideas into impactful enterprises.
The Minister also encouraged the attendees to harness innovation and technology to address urgent challenges while leveraging their participation in the festival to engage with diverse perspectives from across the nation. He emphasized how such collaborations foster national unity, mutual respect, and a common vision for the future.
The students who attended the dinner conveyed their ambitions and exchanged insights on tackling regional and national challenges. Dr. Singh commended their proactive demeanor and reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing support in cultivating their talents and aspirations.
