Since childhood, my father instilled in me the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. He had read extensively about him and often quoted his wisdom to inspire me. Even today, I have a childhood poster with his words:
“They alone live who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive.”
Another favorite of mine:
“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved.”
Despite this deep connection, I had never actively celebrated Swami Vivekananda’s birthday – National Youth Day, until last year, when we decided to mark it with a meaningful initiative: an annual panel discussion. This year, we focused on a powerful theme, ‘Empowering the Youth for India@2047.’
A Future Built by the Youth
The panel discussion reminded us of an undeniable truth. Every great nation is shaped by its young minds. As India moves towards its centenary of independence in 2047, it’s time to equip and empower our youth to lead the country into a new era of global prominence.
One of the speakers captured this sentiment perfectly:
“India is at a turning point, poised to be a global leader. With 65% of its population under 35, the youth are not just our strength; they are the architects of the future.”
This statement resonated deeply. It’s not just about the potential we hold, it’s about the choices we make today that will define India’s tomorrow.
Lessons from Visionaries
A particularly moving moment was when a panelist shared an encounter with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. When asked about India’s future, Dr. Kalam had said:
“The future of India has to be happy. The future of India has to be sustainable. The future of India is when every household has clean drinking water and clean energy. The future of India is when every girl child feels happy, safe, and included. The future of India is when the youth rise to build the nation into what it truly can be.”
These words struck a chord. True progress isn’t just about economic growth; it’s about creating a country where well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability go hand in hand.
Bridging the Skills Gap
One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion was the urgent need for skill development. Knowledge alone isn’t enough, today’s youth need a combination of technical expertise and essential life skills, including:
Adaptability: The ability to embrace change and navigate a fast-evolving world.
Financial Literacy: A crucial yet often overlooked skill in traditional education.
Sustainability Mindset: An awareness of long-term impact and responsible consumption.
Entrepreneurship
Another highlight of the discussion was the role of entrepreneurship in shaping India’s future. Young entrepreneurs are already transforming industries, from renewable energy to digital platforms.
A key insight was that success isn’t just about resources, it’s about having the courage to take action. With the right mentorship, platforms, and support systems, aspiring entrepreneurs can turn bold ideas into reality.
Collaboration and Infrastructure: The Road Ahead
For India to achieve its 2047 vision, we need strong infrastructure and a culture of collaboration. The speakers emphasised the importance of encouraging innovation to create global impact rather than just assembling products.
This is a call to action, not just for policymakers but for educators, industry leaders, and all of us who can contribute to this transformation.
Key Takeaways for the Future
As I walked away from the discussion, three key lessons stayed with me:
1. Invest in Skills: Equip young Indians with tools like financial literacy, adaptability, and technological expertise.
2. Foster Collaboration: Build stronger connections between the government, industries, and educational institutions.
3. Prioritise Sustainability: Ensure that innovation and progress create a better future for all. The journey to 2047 starts now. This vision isn’t just about young people, it’s about all of us coming together to support, guide, and uplift them. If we do this right, we won’t just build a stronger India; we’ll create a future where every young Indian can thrive and contribute to a nation that truly fulfills its destiny.