**Executive Summary**
On April 9, 2026, Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan hosted a 250-member youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. The visit was part of the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ initiative, an exchange program organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to foster national integration. The Vice President highlighted the region's progress in education and sports, urging the youth to contribute to a developed and self-reliant India.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**The ‘Watan Ko Jano’ Initiative**
* **Purpose:** An initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to foster national integration by allowing youth to explore various parts of India.
* **Objectives:** To build confidence, awareness, and a shared national identity while strengthening the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
**Regional Progress and Achievements**
* **Social Transformation:** Recognition of significant progress in women’s empowerment and their leading role in education and social change.
* **Sporting Success:** The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team’s first-ever Ranji Trophy win was cited as a reflection of youth power and a progressive future.
* **Academic Excellence:** Students from the region are increasingly excelling in prestigious entrance examinations, including Civil Services, IIT, and IIM.
**Vision for the Future**
* **Economic Potential:** Jammu and Kashmir is identified as having the potential to become a major global tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and rich culture.
* **Growth Sectors:** Opportunities are expanding across technology, education, tourism, and entrepreneurship.
* **National Goal:** The Vice President emphasized that a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) can only be achieved through the development of every state.
**Impact Analysis**
**Youth of Jammu and Kashmir**
**Impact**
They are being integrated into the national narrative through exposure to different states and are increasingly represented in high-level academic and sporting achievements.
**Action Required**
They are urged to believe in their abilities, stay connected to their roots, avoid drugs, and work collectively toward making the region a symbol of harmony and growth.
**Ministry of Home Affairs and Government of J&K**
**Impact**
These bodies are recognized as the primary facilitators of national integration programs that build youth confidence and awareness.
**Action Required**
To continue implementing initiatives like ‘Watan Ko Jano’ and expanding opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship to meet rising youth aspirations.
**The State of Jammu and Kashmir**
**Impact**
The region is undergoing a developmental transformation characterized by improved infrastructure and social empowerment over the last decade.
**Action Required**
The state must continue to develop its sectors—specifically tourism and education—to become a "Viksit" and "Aatmanirbhar" entity.
Key Entities Referenced
Watan Ko Jano: A youth exchange programme organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to foster national integration by providing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir opportunities to explore different parts of India.
Ministry of Home Affairs: The primary central ministry responsible for organizing the 'Watan Ko Jano' programme and overseeing the integration initiatives for Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir: The central Union Territory of focus, whose youth delegation and developmental progress are the primary subjects of the policy communication.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: A referenced national initiative aimed at strengthening the spirit of national unity and cultural exchange through youth interaction.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan: The Vice President of India who hosted the youth delegation and emphasized progress in education, women's empowerment, and national integration.
Vice President's Secretariat
Youth Delegation from Jammu & Kashmir Calls
on Vice President
‘Watan Ko Jano’ Initiative Strengthening National Integration:
Vice President
Women Leading Education and Social Change Reflect
Transformation in Jammu & Kashmir: Vice President
J&K’s Ranji Trophy Win Reflects Youth Power and Progress:
Vice President
‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Spirit Strengthened Through
Youth Exchange: Vice President
Posted On: 09 APR 2026 7:06PM by PIB Delhi
A 250-member youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, participating in the ‘Watan Ko Jano’
programme organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, called on the Vice President of India, Shri C. P.
Radhakrishnan, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi today.
A youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, participating in the ‘Watan Ko
Jano’ programme organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, called on the Vice
President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today.
Addressing the delegation, the Vice President said he was… pic.twitter.com/edsU
pXFmxP
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 9, 2026
The 'Watan Ko Jano' programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of
Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at fostering national integration by providing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir
an opportunity to explore different parts of India.
Addressing the delegation, the Vice President said he was pleased to interact with such vibrant, talented,
and determined young minds from Jammu & Kashmir. Recalling his visit to Srinagar last month for the
Convocation Ceremony of the University of Kashmir, he spoke about witnessing significant progress in
women’s development and empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.The Vice President also highlighted the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team winning the Ranji Trophy for
the first time. He said that the leadership of women in education and such sporting achievements by young
cricketers together reflect the progressive direction in which the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are shaping
the future.
Commending the Ministry of Home Affairs for the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, he said such initiatives
not only help young people connect with the idea of a shared national identity but also build confidence,
awareness, and aspiration, while fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir as a land of extraordinary scenic beauty, and rich culture, he said
Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to become a major global tourist destination. He added that as
opportunities expand in education, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship, each young person has the
potential to become a builder of a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future. He urged them to believe in
their abilities, remain connected to their roots, and work collectively towards making Jammu and Kashmir
a symbol of harmony, growth, and inspiration for the nation.
The Vice President expressed his happiness that students from Jammu and Kashmir are excelling in Civil
Services, IIT, and IIM entrance examinations.
He also urged the students to stay away from drugs and encourage their peers to do the same, emphasising
that a healthy youth is the foundation of a strong and progressive nation.
Conveying his best wishes, he called upon the young participants to stand tall, believe in themselves, and
take pride in contributing towards building a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He said that a Viksit Bharat
can be achieved only when every state becomes developed.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was also present during the Call On. Addressing the delegation, he
recalled the developmental transformation of J&K over the past decade under the leadership of Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He further observed that the aspirations of youth of Jammu and Kashmir
have risen, with many excelling across diverse fields.
****
PR/ASM/VMJ
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