Dehradun, Sept. 17 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday exhorted a gathering of young people to prioritise goals, avoid drug use and contribute to the state's development to mark his 51st birthday in Dehradun. Addressing the "Yuva Sankalp Diwas" (Youth Resolve Day) event at Rangers Ground in Dehradun, he said that the company of young people on his birthday was the greatest gift and hailed the youth's energy, enthusiasm and resolve as an impetus for a developed and self-reliant Uttarakhand. Dhami said the state's youth were hardworking, talented, disciplined and capable of facing challenges. Providing them with the right direction, better opportunities and a transparent environment was a priority for the state government, he said. The government was working to create opportunities for young people in education, skill development, employment, self-employment, startups and sports, Dhami said. He added that the aim was to ensure that young people were not forced to leave their homes out of compulsion to pursue their dreams. They should not remain job seekers but also become job creators through entrepreneurship, he said. "Artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and digital technology are rapidly transforming employment and industry," said Dhami. The state government was committed to equip young people with skills suited to modern requirements, and tourism and local products offered self-employment opportunities, he said. He said special industrial zones would be developed in Chamoli, Pauri and Almora districts to promote industrial development and local employment in the hill regions. Dhami also described the formation of the State Youth Commission as a key step to incorporate the aspirations of young people into policymaking. The commission, he said, would focus on skill development, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation. Dhami also referred to the stringent anti-cheating law implemented in the state to ensure transparency in recruitment processes and protect the interests of hardworking young people. Urging the youth to set ambitious goals, Dhami cited Swami Vivekananda's message, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached." He also urged them to use technology and mobile phones positively. In the age of social media, he advised the youth to remain alert to incomplete or misleading information. Addressing drug use, Dhami said addiction affected not only the body but also an individual's dreams and future. He urged the youth to stay away from drugs themselves and raise awareness among their friends and others around them....