LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates National Youth Festival ‘Aarohan 2026’ in Srinagar

Stressing the importance of culture, creativity, and innovation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated the National Youth Festival ‘Aarohan 2026’ in Srinagar and said young people expressing themselves through art and literature channel the soul of India itself.

“National Youth Festival is also a proclamation that the time for youth has arrived. Through Youth Festival’s ‘Young Leaders Dialogue,’ we are laying the very foundation and the framework on which the next chapter of India’s glorious heritage will stand tall,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

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He observed that history was never made by those who waited for permission to be extraordinary. He urged the youth participating in ‘Viksit J&K Young Leaders Dialogue’, ‘Hackathon’ and ‘Cultural Event’ to rise up and commit to building a developed India that future generations will take pride in. He said governance can’t thrive without the voice of its youth and inclusive governance means ensuring young people have a real stake in the work happening across every key sector.

“Every young boy and girl has incredible talent. They just need opportunities and faith in themselves. I want India’s youth to create their own paths instead of treading well-worn trails, because innovation and invention spring from uncharted routes. What India needs is youth brave enough to shatter pre-made molds,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also stated that culture is our identity and it is the vibrant proof of our existence, revealing who we are and what dreams and aspirations drive us. He said when young people express themselves through music, art, literature, dance, theatre, sports, and crafts, they are channeling the soul of India itself.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the youth must embrace their uniqueness instead of copying others and realise their full potential.
“The world doesn’t need another copy of someone who already exists. It craves no duplicates. It needs unique youth like you, individuals with one-of-a-kind personalities who don’t just shine for themselves, but light the way for those who come after,” the Lieutenant Governor said.