Report by:Mir Arif

Rafiabad:The inclement weather could not dampen the spirits of youth belonging to Rafiabad, Sopore, Qaziabad and Handwara who participated in the Youth Convention held on the eve of Republic Day.

The engagement by young generation in formal social mechanism has the potential to enhance the positive changes in the region as well as the society. Accordingly, a youth convention was conducted at Chijhama, Dak Bunglow from 11:00AM to 14:00PM on the occasion of 74th Republic Day.

The participants consisted of individuals from various genres like Youth Clubs, NCC, Schools, Colleges, Youth of AoR and Youth Activists.

The aim of the youth convention was to spread awareness amongst youth about societal, national and contemporary issues, Employment awareness, Skill Development lectures, Wellness lectures and Blood Donation.

The convention kick started with a ‘Pledge by Youth’ for betterment of the society of Kashmir, recognising the Youth Icons who are tirelessly & relentlessly working for the society.

The turnout was astounding 173 youth out of which 138 were males and of 35 were females.

The delegation consisted of various departments of Services like Banking Insurance, Employment Exchange, Police, Horticulture, Army Recruitment Organisation, Srinagar etc.

They conducted on the Spot Workshop and also gave out information on various job opportunities.

A lecture on schemes under NSDC were organised in the event. The NSDC aims to promote Skill Development by catalyzing creation of large, quality and for-profit vocational institutions.

The attendees were briefed how to take benefit of these schemes. The lec was taken by Mr Shabir Ahmed Bhat, Chariman of Healing Touch Foundation.

This event proved to be a huge step towards educating & spreading awareness about government schemes in Rafiabad region.

A wellness lecture was conducted by Dr Javed Iqbal who gave an insight on the aspects of good Physical and Mental health. He expressed the importance of mental health especially amongst youth for bolstering the growth and development of Rafiabad.

A Blood Donation Camp was organised by District Hospital, Handwara in the event with an aim to “Donate Blood, Save Life”. The Blood Donation, wherein a total of 33 citizens including 01 Woman donated blood to contribute towards saving precious lives.

The young generation vowed to take active steps for removing social taboos, creating better society and restoring normalcy in the region for the future generations.

The youth of the higher reaches also assured that they would contribute in all developmental and social aspects for creating niche identity of Kashmir valley including the remote higher reaches.