Resolved to develop border areas to bolster national security: Rajnath Singh

Srinagar/ New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reiterated the Government's resolve of developing border areas to bolster national security and said that institutions like JIM&WS can help in carrying forward that vision and contribute to the progress of the country. He was speaking at the 9th Executive Council and 4th General Body meeting of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) at Pahalgam.

In the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, J&K Manoj Sinha, the meeting deliberated on the ways to ensure smooth functioning of the institute and early resolution of pending issues.

In his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the rigorous training standards, excellent management, devotion and technical proficiency of the trainers and instructors that have established JIM&WS as one of the leading institutes in the country. He described mountaineering and allied activities as a sign of not just physical endurance, but also of mental toughness and enthusiasm.

He appreciated the increasing number of women participants in these activities, which once witnessed male dominance. He also acknowledged the differently-abled Divyangjans who are completing mountaineering expeditions with skill and enthusiasm. He made special mention of Indian mountaineer Arunima Sinha who became the first woman amputee to scale Mount Everest with her firm determination. It is, therefore, very important that all training programmes in this institute are oversubscribed, he said.

Saying that the Government's focus on increased public-private partnership in various fields has provided a new thrust to the country's development, Rajnath Singh suggested that JIM&WS join hands with the private sector in order to further their training programmes. "There are many technologies, expertise and innovations in the private sector which are not available in the public sector. Collaboration with the private sector will help JIM&WS to connect the people, especially the youth, with activities such as mountaineering and ensure local prosperity," he said.

Singh exhorted the institute to further acquaint people, especially the youth, with mountaineering and winter sports through its various training programmes and to infuse patriotism, courage & energy in them. He said this will not only increase the popularity of these activities but also generate employment opportunities, thereby giving a boost to the local economy. This will also increase the participation of the local community and provide an opportunity to connect with their culture, he added. The Raksha Mantri stressed that local people should not just be Sherpa, but partners in the national-cultural unity.

Emphasising the importance of environmental protection, he called upon the institutions like JIM&WS to promote eco-sensitive tourism and contribute to saving nature. He concluded his address with the hope that JIM&WS will become one of the leading institutes of the world in the coming times.

On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated a Col KS Mall Boulder Climbing Wall and Himalayan Museum at the Institute.

The aim of JIM&WS is to expose the youth to nature and develop their personality, character and confidence through adventure sports.

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