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On January 12, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, an event aimed at empowering India's youth and charting a roadmap for the nation's development. This occasion also coincided with the celebration of National Youth Day, marking the 163rd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a renowned spiritual leader and social reformer who strongly believed in the transformative potential of India's youth.

Significance of National Youth Day

• Purpose:
  • National Youth Day is celebrated to honor Swami Vivekananda's contributions, emphasizing the role of youth in nation-building.
  • It promotes empowerment, leadership, and innovation among the youth.
• Year of First Celebration: 1985
• Key Theme (2025): "Arise, Awake, and Realize the Power You Hold"

Key Highlights from the Dialogue

• Goal of the Dialogue:
  • Engaging youth in the decision-making process for a developed India by 2047.
  • Empowering youth through platforms like quizzes, essay competitions, and thematic presentations.
• Ten Key Themes Discussed:
  • Technology & Innovation
  • Sustainability
  • Women Empowerment
  • Manufacturing & Agriculture
  • Education and Skill Development

India’s Roadmap for 2047 (Viksit Bharat)

• Vision:
  • Economic Power: India is moving toward becoming the third-largest economy.
  • Strategic and Cultural Strength: India will have a robust economic, strategic, social, and cultural framework.
  • Youth's Role: Innovation in technology, digital economy, space, and manufacturing will drive India’s growth.
• Key Projects and Targets:
  • Target: Generating 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
  • Net Zero Emissions for Railways: Set for 2030.
  • Olympics: India aims to host the Olympics in the next decade.
  • Space Power: Plans for a space station by 2035.

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Challenge

• Objective:
  • Engage youth in shaping ideas for a developed India.
  • The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is part of the Viksit Bharat Challenge.
• Stages of the Challenge:
  • Viksit Bharat Quiz: Participation by 30 lakh youth.
  • Essay Writing: Over 2 lakh essays on key developmental themes.
  • State Rounds: Rigorous in-person competition to identify the top young leaders.
• Participant Categories:
  • 1,500 from Viksit Bharat Challenge Track.
  • 1,000 from Traditional Track (cultural and science innovation).
  • 500 Pathbreakers (leaders in diverse sectors).

Achievements Under Government Benefiting Youth

• Educational Reforms:
  • Increase in IITs, IIITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.
  • Growth in the number of higher education institutions and their global rankings.
• Economic Growth:
  • India's economy has grown to nearly $4 trillion.
  • Infrastructure Investments: More than ?11 lakh crore allocated for infrastructure development.
• Employment Opportunities for Youth:
  • Mudra Loans: ?23 lakh crore distributed to youth entrepreneurs.
  • Startup Ecosystem: India is among the top three in global startups.
  • PM Gati Shakti Mission: Facilitating logistics and infrastructure development, creating employment opportunities.

Future Outlook

• Youth as the Future Leaders of India:
  • India’s Youth Power: Vital to achieving a developed nation by 2047.
  • The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is a platform for youth to voice their opinions and engage with policymakers.
• Role of Youth in India’s Transformation:
  • Collective Responsibility: Every citizen's effort is essential for national goals.
  • The vision of a Viksit Bharat hinges on the innovative contributions and ownership by young minds.