LG Manoj Sinha Urges Youth to Choose Books Over Drugs, Flags Off Reading Marathon in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, Jul 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off a five-kilometre Reading Marathon at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), urging young people to reject drugs, cultivate a reading habit and play an active role in building a healthier and greener society. Addressing students, teachers, academicians and participants, Sinha described the marathon as a unique blend of knowledge, physical fitness and environmental responsibility. “This marathon represents the confluence of the pursuit of knowledge and our responsibility towards nature,” he said, adding that the enthusiastic participation of students from across Jammu and Kashmir reflected the immense potential of the region’s youth. Highlighting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP), the Lieutenant Governor said education should extend beyond classrooms and textbooks and translate into responsible action, healthy living and active participation in society. “Education should not remain confined to books or four walls. It must be reflected in sports, community participation, healthy living and responsible citizenship,” he said, describing the Reading Marathon as a practical embodiment of the NEP. Referring to the Chinar Book Festival’s theme, ‘Run for a Green Future’, and its slogan, ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Books’, Sinha said the initiative successfully combined three important values—physical fitness through the five-kilometre run, intellectual growth through reading and environmental awareness through sustainable living. He said reading broadens perspectives and sharpens thinking, while running promotes discipline and physical well-being. Protecting the environment, he added, is equally vital for securing the future of coming generations. “Reading about climate change or health is easy, but true education is reflected in our actions—whether by staying fit, protecting the environment or keeping ourselves away from drugs,” he said. Calling upon young people to become ambassadors of positive social change, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to make reading a daily habit, adopt eco-friendly practices and continue serving society beyond the marathon. With Kargil Vijay Diwas to be observed on July 26, Sinha paid tribute to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War and urged the youth to draw inspiration from their courage, sacrifice and patriotism. He noted that several decorated soldiers, including Capt. Vikram Batra, Capt. Manoj Kumar Pandey and Capt. Anuj Nayyar, were in their early twenties when they laid down their lives in defence of the nation. “They taught us the values of ‘Nation First’, discipline, leadership and a never-give-up spirit. These ideals should continue to inspire every young Indian,” he said. The Lieutenant Governor also commended National Book Trust Director Yuvraj Malik and his team for organising the event and bringing together thousands of young people to promote reading, healthy living and social awareness.