Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vibrant engagement with India's youth during his latest "Mann Ki Baat" broadcast not only highlighted their pivotal role in national development but also outlined plans for the upcoming "Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue." Scheduled for January 11-12, 2025, this initiative aims to invigorate young minds to participate actively in politics and idea generation for India’s future.
Broadcasting the 116th episode of his monthly program on November 24, Modi commended the collective energy of youth and emphasized their capacity to change the nation’s course through creativity and determination. He stated, “When young minds come together to brainstorm and contemplate the country's progress, we certainly see concrete results.” With tremendous zeal, Modi urged the youth to seize opportunities to shape the country's destiny.
"National Youth Day," coinciding with Swami Vivekananda's 162nd birth anniversary, will be celebrated during the forum at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam. This event is expected to feature 2,000 selected youths, representing varied backgrounds from villages, districts, and states, where they will collectively share and develop innovative ideas. Modi reiterated the heightening necessity for youth engagement, particularly those without political family backgrounds, and announced plans for special campaigns aimed at connecting over 100,000 young individuals to political avenues.
Setting the stage for this dialogue, he remarked, “From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I had urged youth who do not come from political families to join politics.” This sentiment strives to encourage participation from diverse backgrounds, fostering new leadership perspectives.
The dialogue is significant not just for its scope but for the caliber of participants it will attract. Prominent experts—both national and international—along with several illustrious personalities, will contribute to the conversation, amplifying the discourse surrounding youth empowerment and leadership.
During his address, Modi also touched upon his past experiences with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), reflecting on how it helped instill discipline and leadership among young people. He proudly noted the growth of the NCC, with current enrollment reaching over two million youths, up from approximately 1.4 million since 2014. More than 5,000 new schools and colleges have joined this initiative, and girl cadets now comprise nearly 40% of the total, showcasing the increased female representation.
Continuing his appreciation for the youth's initiatives, the Prime Minister lauded specific examples of young individuals making impactful contributions. He shared inspiring stories including one from Bhopal where local youth helped connect seniors with digital payment solutions, easing their financial processes. Similarly, a youth from Lucknow facilitated elderly citizens to obtain necessary digital certificates for pensions, thereby modernizing their administrative experiences.
Importantly, Modi addressed growing concerns about cybersecurity, acknowledging the significant risks posed to the elderly by digital fraud. He remarked, “A young person from Ahmedabad has taken upon himself to inform people about the danger of digital arrest,” condemning the misinformation surrounding government regulations and assuring citizens about the government's protective stance against such cyber scams.
The Prime Minister also stressed how impactful initiatives can uplift the populace. He pointed to the “Digital Life Certificate” program, which has enabled the elderly to submit their life certificates digitally without needing to visit banks. This program has streamlined processes for over eight million pensioners, showcasing the potential of technology to simplify the complex landscapes of governance for the older generation.
Modi’s enthusiasm extended beyond technology; he also emphasized storytelling as he celebrated the accomplishments of India’s diaspora worldwide, particularly during his visit to Guyana. He spoke about the importance of gathering inspiring stories of Indian immigrants who have made significant contributions across the globe and invited the public to share these narratives via social platforms like the NaMo App using #IndianDiasporaStories.
He excitedly shared insights gathered from the Indian diaspora’s success, stating, “The President of Guyana, Irfan Ali, is also of Indian origin and proud of his heritage.” Modi's recognition of the global Indian community's influence underlined the necessity of connecting young minds with their culture and history, enhancing their sense of belonging and responsibility toward their roots.
Through the "Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue," Modi aims to transform youthful enthusiasm and innovative approaches directly toward constructive national policies. “Youth will have the opportunity to present their ideas. How can our country move forward with these ideas?” he asserted, inviting young participants to harvest their creative energies for the nation-building process.
This proactive call to action from Modi aims to mobilize young leaders who will not only envision the path for their futures but also tackle pressing societal challenges through collaborative and integrative means. The initiative encourages participation from marginalized demographics, ensuring diverse voices contribute to India's political and social fabric.
By culminating discussions and visionary projects initiated during the event, the government hopes to establish actionable plans—a roadmap for the future of India. The anticipation of collaboration between experienced leaders and youthful innovators presents the potential to evolve India’s political dynamics.
Through the "Mann Ki Baat" initiative and the upcoming dialogue, Modi continues to bridge the gap between generations by fostering informed discussions, collective thought, and dedicated action toward India’s development and future prosperity. Encouraging the youth to engage, Modi’s vision encapsulates unity, innovation, and resilience, symbolizing the progressive ethos of the nation as it marches toward becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’.
To conclude, the vibrant participation of India’s youth as envisioned by PM Modi's initiatives reflects the growing recognition of their importance within the socio-political framework of the nation. Their involvement not only ensures enlightening perspectives but also drives substantive progress as they contribute actively to the nation’s agenda.
