MP Anurag Thakur unveils Amar Singh Sports & Youth Initiative logo

Srinagar, Apr 4: Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and former Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, officially unveiled the logo of the recently launched Amar Singh Sports & Youth Initiative, J&K, along with Martand Singh, Director of the Amar Singh Sports & Youth Initiative, in New Delhi. Thakur has the distinction of leading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), having served as its Secretary and President.

Speaking on this occasion, Martand Singh, as per a statement issued on Saturday, highlighted the significance and symbolism of the logo, which features the sun and the Trishul. The design was conceptualised by his grandfather, noted statesman and scholar Dr Karan Singh. He also elaborated on the Initiative’s motto – “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached” – drawn from the Upanishads and popularised by Swami Vivekananda – that calls upon the youth to awaken to their inner potential, pursue excellence with determination, and strive relentlessly toward achieving their highest goals.

Martand Singh briefed Thakur on the Initiative’s activities and objectives since its inception in October 2025. He underlined its core mission to encourage, promote, and nurture sporting talent, skill development and education among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, a region he described as rich in untapped potential.

Anurag Thakur shared valuable insights and suggestions for the Initiative’s growth and development, encouraging continued efforts to strengthen youth engagement and sports culture in the region. The rise of sports in Jammu & Kashmir over the past five years – driven by the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and initiatives such as the Khelo India Games and Winter Games – also came up for discussion during the meeting.

“It was a very positive meeting. His words were both encouraging and inspiring, leaving me with renewed energy to carry forward these efforts. Apart from being a distinguished public figure, Mr. Thakur is a much revered and progressive sports administrator of the country, and the opportunity to interact with him was truly a privilege,” said Martand Singh.

Martand Singh, scion of the erstwhile Dogra royal family, also serves as a Trustee of the Amar Mahal Museum & Library, Jammu, further briefed Thakur on the museum’s ongoing socio-cultural and artistic initiatives.