KATHUA, Aug 27: The NSS Units of Government Degree College (GDC), Kathua, in collaboration with MyBharat Kathua, organised the “Khelo India Dialogue – Khel Ki Baat PM Modi Ke Saath” under the theme “Yuva Connect” on August 27, 2026.
The programme was organised in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Regional Directorate of NSS, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, New Delhi, as part of the nationwide activities associated with National Sports Day.
The “Yuva Connect” initiative aimed to place the aspirations, ideas and perspectives of young people at the centre of the nation’s development agenda while connecting them with sportspersons, public representatives and local leadership.
The programme provided students and NSS volunteers an opportunity to receive the national vision on sports, fitness and youth-led nation building through the virtual address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also sought to encourage interaction between young people and local sporting personalities and provide a platform for students to share their ideas and aspirations.
The proceedings commenced with the assembly of students, NSS volunteers, guests and invited participants. The organising team made necessary arrangements for seating, venue readiness, audio-visual facilities and connectivity with the national live feed. Participants were briefed about the programme before joining the virtual address.
The students and other participants listened to the Prime Minister’s address through the national live feed and maintained discipline throughout the session.
Following the virtual address, the local segment of the Yuva Connect programme featured Mayank Sharma, an accomplished Indian fencing athlete specialising in Sabre.
Sharma, a Senior National Champion in Team Sabre, has represented India in various national and international competitions. A native of Village Baroota, Billawar, District Kathua, he is currently pursuing training at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), NSNIS, Patiala.
Addressing the students and NSS volunteers, Sharma shared experiences from his sporting journey and highlighted the importance of dedication, discipline, perseverance, regular practice and commitment to excellence.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which students and NSS volunteers asked questions about fencing, sports training, competitive events, physical fitness, preparation for national and international competitions and the challenges faced by athletes. Sharma also spoke about the role of discipline and perseverance in achieving sporting goals.
A pledge-taking ceremony was organised after the interaction. Students, NSS volunteers and other participants enthusiastically took the pledge and reaffirmed their commitment to discipline, fitness, sportsmanship, responsible citizenship and nation building.
The programme also featured Yuva Samvaad, designed to provide young participants with an open platform to share their ideas, perspectives and aspirations. The points raised during the interaction were recorded for onward transmission as envisaged under the programme guidelines.
Prof. (Dr.) Manohar Lal, Principal, GDC Kathua, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of sportsmanship, discipline, physical fitness, perseverance, civic responsibility, skill development, volunteering and community participation.
He encouraged students to actively contribute their ideas towards strengthening the sporting ecosystem and becoming a responsible, skilled and future-ready generation.
The programme concluded with a renewed emphasis on youth participation, sports and meaningful volunteering. The event provided students of GDC Kathua with an opportunity to engage with national-level sporting discourse while drawing inspiration from the experiences of a local athlete.