While presiding over the National Council Meeting of Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) at New Delhi on Sunday, Governor of Himachal Pradesh Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that YHAI is a Global youth organisation. He said that India is a young nation and it is our responsibility to channelize the energy of the youth in a positive and constructive manner.The Governor was elected unanimously as the President of the Association.On the occasion, he thanked all the members of the YHAI who came from all corners of the country, for reposing trust in him. He said that he was humbled with the gesture that he has been elected unopposed. He appreciated Mohammad Shafi Pandit, outgoing National President of YHAI, who has been heading the National Organisation for 11 years and guiding it like anything through all odds. The Governor said that when he was Forest Minister in Goa, they organised one Bird Festival even though birds do not reach Goa, as compared to other parts of the country.
He also inquired whether YHAI was organising such programmes which were associated with nature and environment. He appreciated different expeditions organised by YHAI but also requested to organise environment sustainable programmes. He urged the new Office Bearers to conduct new programmes in untapped areas. Shri Arlekar said that YHAI has been coming together, which can lead to success, as “Coming together is the beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success” he quoted. He suggested that to associate the youth with nature besides existing activities of YHAI. Youth and nature, both the factors are required for going together.He said that we have marched towards success by working together and we have to carry forward the thoughts and ideas of the youth. He further said with him being elected as the President, the baton has been passed to him and the leadership needs to be carried forward. He stated to the members that his doors were always open for them not only in Shimla but in Delhi and Goa as well.Shri Arlekar also extended thanks to S. Venkat Narayanan, National Chairman, Manoj Johri, National Treasurer, Rupesh K. Pandey, Chief Executive Officer and other newly elected Officer Bearers present on the occasion.