Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in an interactive session with 250 underprivileged students hailing from almost every district of Jammu and Kashmir, who had the opportunity to engage in a freewheeling and informal dialogue with the Prime Minister. As part of the Central Government’s “Watan Ko Jano-Youth Exchange” programme, these students have been traversing Jaipur, Ajmer, and New Delhi. This endeavour, aligned with the ethos of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ seeks to expose the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to the cultural and social mosaic of the nation.
This act is not an anomalous gesture, considering that periodically, the youth from Jammu and Kashmir are selectively chosen for the Bharat Darshan yatra. The significance lies in the fact that these students have borne witness to the relentless cycle of terror, violence, stone-pelting, and enforced shutdowns. An exposure of this nature serves as a potent eye-opener, allowing them firsthand observation of the substantial progress the country has achieved over the past four decades. Moreover, it is noteworthy that, for years, students under the PM Scholarship scheme have been dispatched to various technical colleges across the country, with the government shouldering the entirety of their expenses. In addition to these initiatives, special scholarships are extended to deserving students, indicating a concerted effort by the government to redress the damage inflicted on the educational infrastructure by terrorists and their sympathizers. The norm of school buildings being set ablaze was a grim reality not too long ago. A rigorous crackdown on schools affiliated with Jamaat had been undertaken as the government asserted its stance against the propagation of a singular doctrine in these institutions. Subsequently, all students displaced from such institutions found placement in nearby government schools, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The transformation of the educational landscape in this terror-beset region is manifest in the construction of ultra-modern school and college buildings outfitted with cutting-edge equipment. This evolution has reshaped the academic scenario, leading to students excelling in diverse fields, as explicitly highlighted by Prime Minister Modi. The impetus provided to sports through initiatives like Khelo India is particularly pronounced, with various competitions held to identify and nurture exceptional talent. Each district now boasts sports stadiums with avant-garde outdoor and indoor facilities, hosting a multitude of tournaments. The extraordinary outcome of these concerted efforts is underscored by the fact that the Union Territory’s team secured the highest medal tally in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, an achievement meriting commendation.
Individual endeavours, exemplified by the accomplishments of Sheetal Devi, are rendered feasible through the unwavering support extended by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Organisation. The success of Chandrayaan-3 and the Aditya-L1 mission has not only heightened interest but also stoked curiosity in the sciences. Government initiatives are geared towards providing the best facilities to students, ensuring that education is accessible at their doorsteps. The exceptional overture by Prime Minister Modi to host a cohort of 250 students at his official residence undoubtedly constitutes a once-in-a-lifetime encounter for these individuals. Allocating precious time from his hectic agenda to inspire and uplift the students reflects an extraordinary manifestation of the Prime Minister’s commitment. Articulating their experiences in the presence of the Prime Minister is an opportunity that eludes many throughout their lifespan. The unassuming demeanour of the Prime Minister has captivated the students, a sentiment explicitly articulated by them following the audience with the Prime Minister.
These multifaceted endeavours collectively contribute to a paradigm shift in the mindset of youth. They are now cognizant of the paramount importance of education, diligently striving to capitalise on the facilities proffered by the government and ascend to excellence in their respective fields of interest. The underlying message is unequivocal: the nation staunchly supports the students of Jammu and Kashmir, willing to go the extra mile for their advancement.
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