Anikaa Nazir, Community Development Professional and Women’s Wing President of Save Youth Save Future Foundation, has been recognised among the Young Achievers of 2026 during the celebrations of the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day and National Unity Day at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
The recognition acknowledges her contributions towards community development, youth engagement, women’s empowerment and social change across Jammu and Kashmir. The occasion also provided a platform to recognise the role of young achievers and civil society organisations in contributing to the region’s social and developmental progress.
Expressing gratitude on receiving the recognition, Anikaa Nazir thanked the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and other dignitaries present at the event. She acknowledged the support extended by the UT administration towards positive community initiatives and the opportunities provided to civil society organisations to actively participate in development activities.
Addressing the gathering, Anikaa reflected on the significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s journey as a Union Territory, emphasising that administrative and structural changes should never interrupt the process of growth and development.
“As a young Kashmiri, I firmly believe that no matter what administrative changes a state or Union Territory goes through, its growth and development must never stop,” she said, expressing optimism about the developmental progress witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past seven years under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
She also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by Save Youth Save Future Foundation in collaboration with different institutions and organisations to address important social challenges.
Speaking about the foundation’s work, Anikaa said the organisation had collaborated with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on skill development initiatives and worked with the European Union on programmes related to youth and women’s development.
She further highlighted the organisation’s contribution towards combating drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly its participation in the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir campaign launched by the UT administration.
The initiative, aimed at creating awareness about substance abuse and encouraging community participation in the fight against drug addiction, witnessed contributions from various civil society organisations and grassroots-level stakeholders.
Anikaa also spoke about the foundation’s engagement in interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange programmes, describing these initiatives as important platforms for promoting mutual understanding, social harmony and stronger community relationships.
Another significant milestone highlighted during her address was the organisation’s opportunity to present its work on the international platform of the United Nations Human Rights Council. She noted that institutional support and encouragement had played an important role in enabling the organisation to participate in broader discussions on community development and social issues.
Acknowledging the contribution of the administration, she said that support was not limited to her organisation alone, but was also extended to other civil society groups working across Jammu and Kashmir. Such collaboration creates opportunities for grassroots organisations to participate in community development initiatives and contribute to wider developmental objectives.
Anikaa reiterated her organisation’s commitment to working towards the welfare of young people, women’s empowerment, drug-free communities, social harmony and inclusive development.
She emphasised that sustained cooperation between the administration, civil society organisations and local communities remains essential for achieving meaningful and long-term social transformation.
The recognition of Anikaa Nazir among the Young Achievers of 2026 highlights the growing role of young community development professionals in addressing grassroots challenges and creating positive change in Jammu and Kashmir.
Concluding her address, she reaffirmed her commitment to continue contributing towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation, while expressing gratitude to all those who have supported the organisation’s journey.
