Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla urges youth to work for women empowerment, de-addiction, environment

Shimla, August 30

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has called upon the youth to unite in the pursuit of environmental protection, de-addiction, women empowerment and social security, stressing that the foundation of a secure future lies in the actions of the present.

The Governor was addressing the ‘TEDx Sukhna Lake’ event today in Chandigarh, organised by the NGO ‘I Am Still Human’ and other partners. He emphasised the power of youth in shaping a brighter future. The event revolved around the theme “Past, Present and Future,” exploring the vital role of young people in nation-building.

He said the present is the seedbed of the future and by embracing India’s rich traditions alongside their personal aspirations, the youth can lay the groundwork for a prosperous tomorrow. The Governor urged the youth to actively participate in increasing the green cover by planting and nurturing saplings. He underscored the significance of adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to meet the future energy needs while safeguarding the environment.

He said sustainable development was crucial, but it must not come at the cost of our natural resources. “The well-being of our planet is intertwined with our collective responsibility to protect it,” he said. The Governor also addressed the issue of drug abuse, which he described as a global menace. He called for a united societal effort to combat this growing challenge. “Healthy youth is the true strength of our nation. Protecting them from the impact of drug abuse must become a mass movement and we all must contribute towards this cause,” he said.

The Governor also highlighted the importance of women empowerment, stating that it was the cornerstone of sustainable development. He emphasised the need for a balanced education that fosters both modern skills and cultural values which, in turn, strengthens the character of the youth.

He said youth with strong character were the true heritage of our country and they were the torchbearers of women empowerment.