India is home to the world’s largest youth population, with over 65% of its citizens under the age of 35. This demographic dividend is one of the strongest assets for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The youth are not just future leaders—they are the drivers of change today. From technology to social reform, entrepreneurship to governance, the contribution of young Indians is vital for transforming India into a developed nation.
Why Youth Are Crucial for Viksit Bharat
The journey of Viksit Bharat requires:
- Innovation to build new solutions.
- Leadership to guide communities.
- Entrepreneurship to create jobs.
- Awareness to ensure social and environmental responsibility.
Youth bring energy, creativity, and adaptability, making them the backbone of India’s development.
Areas Where Youth Can Contribute
1. Entrepreneurship and Startups
- Youth-led startups are powering India’s growth.
- Schemes like Startup India and Digital India encourage young entrepreneurs.
- Emerging sectors: fintech, edtech, green energy, and AI.
2. Education and Skills
- With Skill India Mission, youth are being trained for jobs of the future.
- Emphasis on digital literacy, coding, and advanced technologies.
- Educated youth help bridge India’s rural-urban divide.
3. Social Change and Volunteering
- Youth are active in NGOs, community development, and awareness campaigns.
- They fight for gender equality, environment protection, and inclusivity.
4. Technology and Innovation
- Young innovators are shaping India’s AI, robotics, and space sectors.
- Startups led by youth are solving real-life problems like digital payments and healthcare access.
5. Politics and Governance
- Increasing youth participation in politics ensures fresh ideas and transparency.
- Digital platforms and social media give youth the power to raise their voices.
Government Programs Empowering Youth
To channel youth potential, several initiatives have been launched:
- My Bharat Platform – connecting youth with national missions.
- Skill India Mission – vocational training and skill development.
- Atal Innovation Mission – nurturing innovation and startups.
- Viksit Bharat Ambassador Program – engaging youth in development campaigns.
- Digital India – empowering youth with digital tools and access.
Challenges for Youth Participation
While youth are enthusiastic, they face some hurdles:
- Unemployment and job mismatch.
- Lack of quality education in rural areas.
- Financial challenges for entrepreneurs.
- Limited platforms to express ideas at the grassroots level.
Way Forward: Youth as Change-Makers
To maximize youth contribution, India must:
- Improve access to quality education and skills.
- Provide funding and mentorship for startups.
- Encourage youth participation in policy-making.
- Promote youth leadership programs across all states.
