Economic Progress Must Align with Cultural Values: Governor Kavinder Gupta

Dharamshala, May 20, 2026: Governor Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday said that economic development must go hand in hand with the preservation of cultural values in today’s rapidly changing world. Emphasizing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, he urged youth to move beyond the mindset of seeking jobs and instead strive to become creators of employment opportunities.
The Governor was addressing the Yuva Sangam programme organised under the flagship initiative Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat at Central University of Himachal Pradesh in Kangra district. Students from National Institute of Technology Puducherry participated in the programme as part of the national integration initiative.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that the programme serves as an important platform for strengthening national unity, cultural harmony and youth empowerment. He noted that India’s diversity remains its greatest strength and that initiatives like Yuva Sangam help connect young people from different regions with each other’s traditions, languages and cultural heritage.
Gupta congratulated the Central University of Himachal Pradesh for successfully organising the programme and said that the responsibility entrusted by the Ministry of Education was not merely administrative, but also an opportunity to promote national values and emotional integration.
He said that students travelling from different states were not simply visiting new places, but were experiencing the true spirit of India’s unity in diversity. “Our languages, attire, food habits and traditions may differ, but the soul of India has always remained one,” he remarked.
Highlighting the cultural richness of Himachal Pradesh, the Governor said the state is known not only for its natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted traditions, spirituality and human values. He encouraged the visiting students to interact with local communities and understand the region’s folk traditions and social life.
Referring to India’s demographic strength, Gupta said the country possesses the world’s largest youth population and that the energy, innovation and sensitivity of young people would determine the nation’s future direction. He urged students to contribute actively towards nation-building and social development alongside their academic pursuits