MIAN TUFAIL
The Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre, an initiative of the Indian Army unit Zangli, Kupwara, promises to be a tall testament of empowerment and progress for the youth. We take a look at the centre, ahead of its inauguration.
IN the heart of Kupwara, a border district of Kashmir, there’s a beacon of hope, shining bright for the region’s youth. Full of promise, there stands the Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre, an initiative of the Indian Army unit Zangli, Kupwara, a tall testament to empowerment and progress. This not a mere youth centre; it’s a sanctuary that promises to be a space where dreams will find wings and aspirations will soar.
Founded with a noble objective to empower the youth, infuse corporate culture, and provide modern amenities, the Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre is more than just a physical space; it’s a promise for a brighter future. Boasting a plethora of facilities – ranging from a library stocked with diverse books to spaces for studying, group discussions, and career counselling, this centre is designed to cater to every possible need of the young minds it means to serve.
The inauguration of the youth centre will most probably take place on April 4, 2024 with the Core Commander of the Indian Army doing the honours. And following that, the registration process will start with a minimal fee of Rs. 50. To put a foolproof security system in place, the registered youth will be issued ID cards to ensure marked entry and exit.
An official tells Kashmir Central that the centre would remain exclusive for the youth of the region and is in fact for the youth, of the youth, and by the youth. He further elucidates, “The youth centre will be the first of its kind in the region and will empower the youth to fulfill their dreams. The objective is to infuse in our youth a corporate culture with its modern amenities that should eventually contribute effectively to building the nation”.
Embellished and neat with concrete cement walls and white window panes, the centre lends an aesthetic view. The workers working on the entrance path are toiling hard to lend it an inviting look well in time for the inauguration. Inside the youth club, there is a registration desk adorned with famous titles of Bollywood movies. The ground floor houses an ICT lab, study hall, library, discussion set, and recording room. Walking through the corridors, one can feel the vibrant energy that already permeates every corner. The literary committee, with its shelves adorned with classics and contemporary works, promises to foster a love for reading and writing. It’s a space where imagination can soar and words can weave magic.
The first floor offers a breathtaking ambience with Khushwara Cafeteria and Gaming Zone. One corner of the cafeteria is meant to offer space to musicians and enthrall its audience. On the right of the snooker table, there is a four-level transition of Kashmir graphics depicting ancient lifestyle to the contemporary infrastructural development and evolvement.
- The Vision: Decoding the Intent
The centre is a fierce endeavour to effect a change of mood, a sense of culture and an overall empowerment to the youth who encounter its essence. Here’s decoding the force behind the vision of the centre:
- Empowering the youth: The primary objective of the Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre is to empower the youth of Kupwara by providing them with opportunities for holistic development. As per officials, the youth is the exclusive stakeholder of this initiative.
- Infusing a corporate culture: With a focus on instilling corporate culture among the youth, the centre aims to equip them with the skills and mindset necessary for success in the professional world. The J&K youth lack avenues to excel in the corporate world, and this youth centre will cater to that space.
- Modern amenities: The centre boasts modern amenities designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of the youth, ensuring a conducive environment for growth and learning.
- Library: A treasure trove of knowledge awaits within the walls of the centre’s library, housing a vast collection of books spanning various genres and subjects. From sufism to history, from competition-oriented books from the UPSC, NDA, JEE, NEET to fiction – students will find books on all kinds of subjects waiting for them, free of cost.
- Study spaces: Dedicated areas for studying provide students with a quiet and conducive environment to focus on their academic pursuits. The Kupwara district, which doesn’t exactly offer students a safe place to study and deliberate, will see that the wait has finally ended.
- Cafeteria: A vibrant cafeteria offers a space for socialising and rejuvenation, where youth can unwind and connect over a cup of coffee or a quick snack. While reporting, we witnessed that all the logistics and groceries have already been set up and the warm insides of the cafeteria are waiting to host the youth of Kupwara.
- Group discussion areas: Spaces for group discussions encourage collaborative learning and idea exchange among peers. So such areas in the centre will provide space for the youth from diverse backgrounds to deliberate and discuss.
- A career counselling room: Guidance and support for career choices are readily available at the centre’s career counselling room aiming to help youth chart their paths towards a bright future. An official tells KC said that qualifiers from various backgrounds will be roped in to guide the youth here.
- Montage of professions: An inspiring montage showcasing various professions serves as a reminder of the myriad opportunities awaiting the ambitious youth of Kupwara. It will serve as the guiding light to the youth of Kupwara to cheer for their dreams.
- An ICT lab: The state-of-the-art ICT Lab provides access to technology and digital resources, facilitating skill development in the digital age. It will also provide courses in software programming and advanced courses certified by NIELIT and NDSC. In the age of technology, the ICT Lab and the Software Computer Training Centre serve as hubs of innovation. Here, young minds are introduced to the wonders of technology, coding, design, and digital skills that will shape the future.
- Recording room: Aspiring musicians, content creators, influencers, and artists can unleash their creativity in the centre’s recording room, fostering a vibrant culture of expression and talent. Those who struggle to purchase material from the market can use the recording room to nurture their skills.
- Gaming zone and play station: And it’s not all work and no play at Roshan Mustaqbil. The gaming zone and play station provide moments of relaxation and camaraderie, fostering friendships that transcend boundaries.
- Youth-led governance: The Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre operates on a unique model wherein the youth themselves take charge of its management and operations, with the Indian Army looking over. This youth-led approach ensures that the centre remains dynamic, responsive, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of its primary stakeholders.
- Committees at the forefront: Here’s how the committees mean to function:
- Literary Committee: This committee will be responsible for organising literary events, book clubs, and writing workshops, fostering a love for literature and language among the youth.
- Fine Arts Committee: From painting sessions to art exhibitions, this committee will nurture creativity and artistic expression among the youth, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.
- Outreach Committee: Charged with community engagement and outreach activities, this committee strives to create a positive impact beyond the walls of the centre, promoting social responsibility and civic engagement among the youth.
- Career Enhancement Committee: With a focus on professional development and skill-building, this committee is tasked to organise workshops, seminars, and networking events to equip youth with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen careers.
- Impact & Future Prospects
The Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre is sure to make strides in empowering the youth of Kupwara, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their dreams and aspirations. As the centre is on the verge of evolving and expanding its reach, it holds the promise of a brighter and more prosperous future for the youth of the region, laying the foundation for a generation of leaders, innovators, and change makers.
As we witness the sun set beyond the mountains, casting a golden hue across the Valley, the Roshan Mustaqbil Youth Centre feels ablaze with the final touches in the run-up to the inauguration. This centre is ready to be recognised as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the youth, who refuse to be defined by circumstances and choose, instead, to carve their own path.
In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Roshan Mustaqbil stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow. As we said earlier, this is not just a youth centre; it’s a symbol of possibility, empowerment, and the undying spirit of youth. And as long as its doors remain open, the flame of hope will continue to burn bright in the hearts of the youth of Kupwara.