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Save Youth Save Future Foundation reviews its journey in Srinagar, renewing its commitment to peacebuilding, education, women’s empowerment and support for vulnerable communities
Save Youth Save Future Foundation (SYSF) marked eight years of community engagement, youth empowerment and social welfare during its annual meeting held at the Auditorium Hall of Hotel Opera in Srinagar On Friday, October 16, 2026.The gathering brought together senior government officials, the foundation’s leadership, volunteers and representatives from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir to reflect on its journey and discuss priorities for the future. Among those present were Shri Akshay Labroo, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shri Imtiaz Hussain Mir, JKPS, Director, CTC Lethpora, and Mr. Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman of SYSF Foundation. Ms. Anika Nazir, president of the Women’s Wing, Mr. Mir Arif, vice chairman, and Mr. Mudasir Ahmad Dar also attended the programme, alongside senior core body members, zonal representatives and district coordinators. The annual gathering provided an opportunity to assess the role of grassroots organisations in addressing social challenges and creating constructive opportunities for young people. As Jammu and Kashmir continues to pursue wider social and economic development, the importance of engaging its younger generation in education, community service and responsible citizenship remains central to building a more resilient society.
Over the years, SYSF has focused on several areas of community welfare, including support for families affected by terrorism, interfaith dialogue, drug de addiction awareness, educational outreach and the promotion of sports and other constructive activities. These priorities reflect social concerns that require sustained engagement rather than occasional campaigns. Young people need access not only to formal education but also to practical skills, mentorship and opportunities to participate meaningfully in public life. Equally important is the creation of supportive environments in which families, teachers, community leaders and civil society organisations can work together to address substance abuse and other social difficulties. Awareness programmes can help young people recognise risks and make informed decisions, but their long term impact depends on regular follow up, access to appropriate support services and the willingness of communities to confront problems without stigma. SYSF’s stated emphasis on modern and skill based education in madrasas also highlights the importance of expanding learning opportunities by complementing religious instruction with contemporary subjects and practical competencies. Such an approach can help learners prepare for a changing employment landscape while retaining the educational and cultural foundations of their institutions. For these initiatives to deliver lasting results, however, their implementation must be supported by clear objectives, sustained resources and an assessment of the benefits reaching the intended communities.
“Empowering young people is not simply an investment in their individual futures; it is an investment in the peace, resilience and progress of society.”
Women’s empowerment and the participation of women in community decision making also remain important to the foundation’s stated priorities. The presence of Ms. Anika Nazir, president of the Women’s Wing, reflected the place of women’s leadership within the organisation’s structure. Across Jammu and Kashmir, expanding opportunities for women and girls involves addressing barriers to education, developing employable skills, promoting awareness of rights and strengthening their participation in social and economic activities. Community organisations can contribute by creating accessible platforms for discussion, encouraging confidence and connecting women with educational and welfare opportunities. Similarly, support for families affected by terrorism calls for sensitivity, dignity and a sustained commitment to their needs. Beyond immediate assistance, affected families may require educational support for children, livelihood opportunities and access to government welfare schemes and other services. Interfaith dialogue, meanwhile, can help strengthen social relationships by encouraging mutual respect and creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can engage constructively. These efforts are particularly relevant in a society where social trust and community cooperation are essential to long term stability. Their value lies not merely in organising events but in building relationships that continue after a programme ends. For SYSF, its eight year journey provides an opportunity to strengthen these areas of work, widen community participation and establish stronger links with institutions capable of supporting people in need.
As the foundation looks towards the next phase of its work, the larger challenge will be to translate its stated commitments into outcomes that can be clearly demonstrated. Regular outreach, transparent reporting, district level coordination and partnerships with educational institutions, public authorities and community groups can help grassroots initiatives become more effective and sustainable. Measuring progress through indicators such as young people reached, educational assistance provided, women participating in programmes and families connected with support services would also help establish the practical impact of its activities. Such measures are important not to diminish the value of voluntary service, but to ensure that the time and resources invested produce meaningful benefits. The participation of senior officials at the Srinagar meeting offered an opportunity for dialogue between the administration and civil society, although lasting progress will depend on continued cooperation beyond the annual gathering. Eight years of service mark a significant milestone for SYSF, but they also bring renewed responsibility to respond to changing social needs with consistency and accountability. The future of Kashmir’s youth cannot be secured by any single organisation; it requires collective action by families, schools, government institutions and civil society. By sustaining its focus on education, peacebuilding, women’s empowerment and vulnerable communities, SYSF can continue working towards a future in which young people are equipped not only to improve their own lives but also to contribute positively to the society around them.
Author can be reached at Email id: syednaseer8092@gmail.com
