Kashmiri Youth Exchange Program by Nehru Yuva Kendra Ghaziabad Enlightens Participants on Multiple Dimensions of Development

Ghaziabad : The Nehru Yuva Kendra, Ghaziabad, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, organized the fourth day of the Kashmiri Youth Exchange Program at the NDRF Shaheed Auditorium. Participants were educated on financial literacy, linguistic proficiency, social development, and entrepreneurship. Deputy Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra Ghaziabad, Devendra Kumar, emphasized that the program aims to empower and enlighten Kashmiri youth, enabling them to contribute significantly to the progress of their state and the nation. The event featured interactive sessions with experts from various fields, who inspired and educated the youth. Arun Kumar Tiwari, District Youth Officer from Baghpat, and Tanvi Kansal, District Youth Officer from Aligarh, also motivated the participants to actively engage in societal development.

The first session, led by Vinay Kumar, Senior Manager of Canara Bank, highlighted the importance of financial literacy. He elaborated on government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Suraksha Bima Yojana. Kumar stated, “Financial literacy not only fosters self-reliance among youth but also helps them plan for a better future.” He also covered banking procedures, online transactions, and the importance of saving.

In the second session, Associate Professor Dr. Kranti Bodh stressed the significance of linguistic skills. “India’s soul resides in its villages, and understanding Indian languages is essential to truly comprehend the country,” he remarked. Highlighting Hindi as a language of science and communication, he encouraged participants to read newspapers and learn different languages, citing resources like “Bhasha Sangam.” He underscored how linguistic knowledge is vital for both personal and professional growth.

The third session featured Rajesh Kumar Jadaun, former Deputy Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Central Delhi, who motivated youth to take an active role in cleanliness initiatives. Reflecting on the achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission, he noted the significant contributions of Kashmiri youth to this cause. Promoting the slogan “Clean India, Developed India,” Jadaun administered a cleanliness pledge to participants, emphasizing that cleanliness is the first step toward a developed nation.

Assistant Commandant Naresh Namdev from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) delivered an insightful session on entrepreneurship through beekeeping. He explained its commercial aspects, processes, and government schemes that support this initiative. He highlighted that beekeeping is not only a means of self-employment but also contributes to environmental conservation. Namdev said, “Beekeeping can be started with minimal investment, yields high profits, and supports a healthy ecosystem, as bees are crucial for our environment and lives.”

Additionally, SI Anand Kumar from NDRF demonstrated various rescue and relief operations for emergencies, including fire safety, earthquake response, and flood rescue measures. Participants were also trained in life-saving techniques like CPR, raising awareness about disaster preparedness. Aman Kumar, My Bharat Youth Leader, provided information on registering with the My Bharat platform. The event also saw contributions from program assistants Farhmood Akhtar, Talib, Prakash, Sunny, and others.

Exhibition of Kashmiri Products and Food Festival

During the program, Kashmiri youth showcased traditional products in an exhibition under the Yuva Kriti initiative. Participants like Sajjad, Yasir, Afsana, and Muskan from Anantnag displayed items such as Gojri shawls and caps, while Zaid and Javed from Pulwama exhibited saffron and shilajit. Fazil, Shaukat, and Tauseef from Budgam presented Kashmiri kurtas, apples, and walnuts, and Barika and Sabir from Srinagar displayed traditional pherans and shawls.

A food festival was also organized, featuring authentic Kashmiri recipes like Modur Pulao, Dum Olav, Lyader Tschaman, Yakhni Pulao, Haakh, Kashmiri Phirni, Butter Tea, and Kahwa. Guests relished these delicacies and lauded Kashmiri cuisine. Commandant PK Tiwari of the 8th Battalion NDRF appreciated the youth’s efforts in showcasing their culinary and cultural heritage.

The Kashmiri Youth Exchange Program provided participants with an opportunity to experience India’s diversity while inspiring them toward social, economic, and cultural progress. Participants expressed gratitude for the transformative experience, with one participant stating, “We gained valuable knowledge about financial literacy, linguistic skills, and entrepreneurial opportunities, which we will share back home in Kashmir.”

This initiative by Nehru Yuva Kendra Ghaziabad stands as a commendable step toward fostering unity and integration among Kashmiri youth while nurturing a sense of national pride.