‘Secure Path’ Declares War on Drugs with Jobs: Umar Bhat Flags Off Mega Skill Drive at Lal Chowk

​SRINAGAR, Jan 1, 2026 – In a decisive move to combat the rising tide of drug addiction through economic empowerment, ‘ Secure Path ’ patron Umar Bhat flagged off a mobile awareness van today at the historic Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk, marking the launch of a massive multi-sectoral skill and entrepreneurship drive for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
​ The Event

​Amidst the winter chill, the atmosphere at Lal Chowk was charged with optimism as the ‘Secure Path’ team, led by Bhat, dispatched the mobile unit. The van, emblazoned with the mission to “Fight Idleness,” will traverse the valley distributing pamphlets to mobilize youth for what is billed as one of the region’s largest private-sector engagement initiatives.
​A Sustainable New Year Gift
​Symbolically launched on the very first day of 2026, this initiative serves as a beautiful and sustainable New Year gift to the unemployed youth of J&K. It acts as a beacon of hope for a disappointed generation, offering them a concrete way to turn the page from despair to determination. By replacing hollow promises with tangible roadmaps, ‘Secure Path’ is gifting the youth not just training, but the solid foundation needed to start their best life planning and script their own success stories.
​ The Mission: “Fight Idleness to Fight Drugs”
​Speaking to the press moments after the flag-off, Umar Bhat outlined the urgent context behind the initiative.
​”We are witnessing a heartbreaking reality where despair is driving our youth toward drugs,” Bhat stated. “Our ground research confirms that unemployment is the root cause. To save our next generation, we must replace idleness with financial independence. We are here to bridge the gap between intent and action.”
​ Key Highlights of the Drive
​Bold Target: To equip 1 Lakh underprivileged youth with market-ready skills in Jan–Feb 2026 alone.
​Strategic Alliances: Collaborations secured with Union Ministries of MSME, Minority Affairs, Tourism, and Labour & Employment.
​ Phased Rollout : The drive begins immediately in Central Kashmir (Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal), followed by North and South Kashmir, and eventually covering the entire Jammu division.
​Opportunities Unveiled
​Bhat detailed a “menu of opportunities” designed to create earning potential, not just certificates:
​ Entrepreneurship : Identifying and supporting 100 entrepreneurs per sub-district.
​ Heritage & Corporate : Reviving traditional arts for global markets and providing NSQF-compliant training for modern corporate roles.
​”The opportunities are here. The path is secure. Let’s walk it together,” Bhat concluded, as the van began its journey to mobilize the youth of Srinagar toward a dignified future.