Sports key to building discipline, unity, strength: Satish Sharma

Srinagar, Aug 12: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, and Information Technology Satish Sharma on Tuesday said sports was key to building discipline, unity, and responsibility among youth.

He was addressing the students and faculty at the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme held at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

Director of SKIMS, Dr Ashraf Ganie; Additional Director, Zahoor Ahmad Mir; senior faculty members; and students were present on the occasion.

Describing the programme as a vision for a “Viksit Bharat,” a developed India, where youth play a central role in shaping the nation’s future, the minister said since India has the largest percentage of youth as its population, we have to ensure that they are properly addressed and also curb the spread of substance abuse.

“Sports, education, technology, and community engagement have been given unprecedented importance across the country, and we are ensuring the same focus in every corner of our Union Territory,” Sharma said. “Sports are not just about competition; they build discipline, unity, and responsibility among our youth.”

Commending SKIMS for promoting sports alongside its primary mission of healthcare, the minister lauded its contribution to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. “Substance abuse destroys lives and futures. By encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive activities, institutions like SKIMS are making a real difference,” added the minister.

Addressing the youth, Satish Sharma emphasised, “You are not just the future; you are the present. The choices you make today will define the India of tomorrow.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to support the youth through better infrastructure, skill development, sports facilities, and digital empowerment.

The minister assured that SKIMS’s request for developing the sports infrastructure would be examined as a priority, adding, “When we invest in youth, we invest in the nation’s future.”

Satish Sharma called for collective efforts to eliminate drug abuse, strengthen communities, and work towards an India where health, education, and opportunity are accessible to all. “The road to Viksit Bharat runs through the energy, creativity, and determination of our youth, and with your passion, we will get there,” Sharma concluded.

The director of SKIMS, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the role of youth in different aspects of life.

Satish Sharma also e-inaugurated lift services in the State Cancer Institute, the boom barrier system, and the biogas plant on the occasion.

He also released the Annual Appraisal Report of SKIMS on the occasion.

Satish Sharma also distributed the certificates and trophies among the winners of the cricket tournament organised by the SKIMS.