Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday urged the youth to step forward and take the lead in shaping the nation’s future.
Inaugurating the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Jaishankar noted that it has become customary to hold a conclave for the younger generation as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations.
He explained that the rationale behind this initiative is to acknowledge the significant contributions made by young minds, both in India and abroad.
The Minister emphasized that today’s youth are at the forefront of global advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, innovation, startups, space exploration, drones, and sports like chess and cricket. He added that this makes it even more crucial to recognize and harness their potential.
At home, Jaishankar highlighted that India has embarked on its journey towards becoming a developed nation during the Amrit Kaal. This ambitious endeavor, he said, is deeply tied to the aspirations and efforts of the younger generation. “After all, it is this generation that will take the reins of leadership in society and guide our nation forward,” he remarked.
A key part of this initiative, according to the Union Minister, is to provide the right motivation for youth to accelerate their contributions.
He recalled an observation by badminton star P.V. Sindhu on why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is regarded as a youth icon. Sindhu attributed this to Modi’s transformative attitude, which shifted the nation’s mindset from chalta hai (it’s okay) to badal sakta hai (change is possible) to hoga kaise nahin (how can it not happen?).
Jaishankar highlighted that in the digital era, the scale of UPI transactions reflects both the country’s robust infrastructure and evolving mindsets. He pointed out that the new India, with over 90,000 startups and more than 100 unicorns, is defined by initiatives like Drone Didi, Atal Tinkering Labs, hackathons, the green hydrogen mission, and nano-fertilizers.
The External Affairs Minister stressed that ambitious visions require strong foundations. “Our collective prospects depend on investing in youth to help them achieve their full potential,” he stated.
Jaishankar also highlighted various transformational campaigns and programs launched since 2014 under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, including Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
He urged people to view these efforts holistically, emphasizing how they collectively secure the future of India’s youth by bringing their skills and creativity to the forefront, enabling them to compete on the global stage.
Given the rapid changes underway, the Minister underscored the importance of keeping the diaspora engaged and expressed satisfaction with the increasing popularity of initiatives like the Know India Programme and Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz.
Welcoming visits by journalists of Indian origin (PIOs), he encouraged them to promote India as a tourism destination. Jaishankar also urged young PIOs to bring their friends from abroad to explore India’s rich heritage and culture, turning this engagement into a lifelong connection.
He concluded by affirming that India is on its way to addressing longstanding challenges and building a modern, inclusive, and progressive society.
“Our journey is unique because the largest democracy in the world is developing in a manner that integrates technology and tradition,” he said and emphasized that youth will play a defining role in driving this endeavor and achieving India’s goals.
