There is something profoundly beautiful about the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. After working with them for over two decades, I often say, with complete honesty, that our young people are like a newly planted sapling placed in the most fertile soil of this country. Just like a gardener (Bhagwan for many), who lovingly shapes a plant and guides every branch towards the right direction, we too must shape our youth with patience, vision and care. A gardener sometimes uses grafting techniques to produce high-quality fruits; he selects the best stem, nurtures it carefully and ensures it receives the right balance of sunlight, water and protection. In the same way, our youth are like that precious tree, full of potential, waiting to be guided, strengthened, and refined. As teachers, mentors and elders, we must mould them with the same dedication and intention with which a gardener moulds his tree, so that tomorrow our society may taste the finest fruits of their talent, character and hard work.

Some people call our land Heaven on Earth, others lovingly call it Peer Waer. And yes, there will always be a few who choose to label us differently, often without understanding our deeper realities. But from where I stand, after training thousands of young boys and girls, I firmly believe one thing: the youth of this land deserve opportunities, exposure, guidance and recognition. They are not only dedicated and sincere, but their minds are fertile and their hearts innocent. Their intentions are pure, their dreams are honest and their potential is extraordinary. What they need from us is not sympathy or doubt, what they need is encouragement, motivation, mentorship, support and trust.

For more than twenty years, my professional life has revolved around the young generation of Kashmir. I have taught them, guided them, trained them, pushed them and at times, even learned from them. In the University of Kashmir, whether I was conducting life-skills workshops or engaging with students through cultural, literary, or leadership activities, one truth became clear: our youth want to rise. I have trained students in management, discipline, leadership, personality development and public speaking. I have........

© Greater Kashmir