Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla: In a significant recognition of grassroots innovation from Jammu and Kashmir, Anzar Amin of Fatehgarh village in Sheeri Narvaw area of Baramulla has been selected for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026 under the Design for Bharat – National Youth Innovation Challenge, emerging as the sole representative from the Jammu and Kashmir in this prestigious national track, an honour reflecting his creativity, commitment, and future-ready vision.
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 is a re-imagined national youth festival and leadership platform organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports aimed at empowering young Indians aged 15–29 to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The programme features multiple tracks, including innovation, design thinking, and youth dialogues on national priorities.
Amin earned his berth after clinching the state-level top position at the selection round held at NIT Srinagar, where innovative projects from across Jammu and Kashmir were evaluated for originality, social relevance and scalability. His selection places him among a handpicked cohort of young innovators from across India chosen to contribute ideas aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
“His achievement is really a milestone for our institution because Anzar’s journey from a small hamlet Fatehgarh to India’s premier youth innovation forum sends a powerful message about the areas’ untapped potential,” said Dr. Javid Qadir Zargar, In-charge Principal Higher Secondary School Fatehgarh.
The Jammu and Kashmir delegation was formally flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on January 7 from Jammu, marking the UT’s official participation in the national dialogue. The flagship event is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 9 to 12, bringing together youth leaders, designers and problem-solvers from every state and Union Territory.
The Design for Bharat track focuses on human-centric design, indigenous solutions and real-world problem-solving, encouraging participants to go beyond prototypes and propose scalable, sustainable and socially impactful innovations. During the four-day conclave, Amin will present his work, take part in thematic workshops and engage in cross-regional exchanges aimed at sharpening leadership and innovation capacities.
“I am immensely proud Anzar’s achievement. His success highlights the potential of our youth and serves as an inspiration for others to pursue innovation and leadership,” said mentor and guide, State Nodal Officer ATL Innovation Mission, Lecture Muneer Ahmad Wani
Reflecting on the opportunity, Anzar said the exposure to diverse challenges and solutions from across the country has been “deeply enriching,” adding that platforms like VBYLD inspire youth to align creativity with public purpose.
“Sharing ideas, understanding different social problems, and learning about unique solutions from other states has been truly inspiring,” he said, adding that the platform encourages youth to think beyond prototypes and focus on scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful solutions aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
Anzar’s selection is a testament to his diligence, ingenuity, and forward-looking approach. As the lone participant from Jammu & Kashmir in this track, he will join young leaders from across the country in New Delhi, where they will present their ideas, participate in workshops, and engage in sessions designed to nurture leadership and innovation.
Achievement Sheikh Anzar- student innovator under ATL and Expert Member School Innovation Council of Government Higher Secondary Fatehgarh- has been hailed by faculty of the higher secondary and local innovators and social activists of Sheeri Narvaw Baramulla.
“Don’t innovate only for competitions—innovate for society. Look around you, identify real problems, and try to solve them with whatever resources you have. Even a small idea can bring a big change if your intention is honest and your efforts are consistent,” said innovator educator Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, a renowned innovator of Sheeri Narvaw area.
Anzar Amin’s journey from Fatehgarh, Narvaw to the national innovation at Bharat Mandapam stands as a powerful reminder that talent, when combined with purpose and perseverance, can place even the most remote regions on India’s innovation map. The entire district of Baramulla and the people of Jammu & Kashmir wish him great success and a bright future ahead.