Viksit Bharat and Youth Empowerment

The way towards this end is often referred to as "Viksit Bharat" -- that is, economic development,
social equity, technological advancement, and sustainable development. This dream rests in the
heart of India's transformation: the empowerment of India's youth, who represent over 65% of its
population under the age of 35. Their energy, creativity, and determination are key to shaping a
prosperous and inclusive future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often underlined the importance of youth in nation-building.
His schemes, *Skill India*, *Start-Up India*, and *Digital India*, aim to equip the youth with their
latent skills and make them the agents of development. In his words, "youth are not only
beneficiaries of development but are also its drivers."

### The Role of Youth in a Developed India

Empowered youth are a vital part of "Viksit Bharat" as they contribute to all sectors:

1. **Technology and Innovation:

India's young innovators are leading the way in technology and shaping the future. They are
driving start-ups, creating apps, and finding solutions to everyday challenges. Initiatives like
*Digital India* encourage youth to use technology for progress, whether through e-governance,
digital payments, or modern infrastructure.

2. **Entrepreneurship:

Youth-led start-ups are transforming India into a global innovation hub. Programs like *Start-Up
India* and *Mudra Yojana* provide financial aid and mentorship, enabling young entrepreneurs to
create businesses that generate jobs and boost the economy. Sectors such as e-commerce,
green energy, and healthcare have seen significant contributions from young minds.

3. **Social Change:

The youth is leading movements for gender equality, environmental sustainability, and mental
health awareness. Initiatives such as *Swachh Bharat Abhiyan* have seen active participation
from the youth in promoting cleanliness and hygiene. Their involvement ensures that
development is inclusive, taking into account societal and environmental concerns.

4. **Agriculture Modernization:

The youth are modernizing agriculture through technology as well as innovative practices; digital
platforms today connect farmers directly with markets, and therefore the technique of precision
farming and organic methods improves productivity. All these efforts are very important for
agriculture to be sustainable and profitable.

5. **Education and Skills Development:

Education is the backbone of empowerment. The *Skill India* program trains young Indians in
skills that are relevant to the industry, making them ready for employment and capable of
meeting international demands. Skills training in IT, manufacturing, and healthcare is fast
bridging the gap between education and employment.

6. **Healthcare:

Young doctors, nurses, and researchers played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic. In
the years to come, innovations in telemedicine and affordable healthcare can bring medical
services to one's doorstep, especially in villages.

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### Issues Facing Youths

As much potential as the youths hold, they are encountered by many issues that deprive them of
effective contributing power:

1. **Employment:**

Despite the fact that they are educated, most of the youth face the problem of unemployment
due to the mismatch of skills and a lack of opportunities in specific fields. 2. **Quality
Education**: The quality of education and infrastructure is often lacking in rural areas and
economically weaker sections, which limits the scope for young people to advance.

3. **Mental Health Issues**:

The pressures of academic competition and social expectations have led to rising mental health
concerns among youth. Counseling and awareness programs are still inadequate in many parts
of the country.

4. **Digital Divide**:

Unequal access to technology and the internet, particularly in rural areas, prevents many young
people from fully participating in the digital economy.

### Government Initiatives for Youth Empowerment

The government has launched several initiatives to address these challenges and empower the
youth:
1. **Skill Development**:

The *Skill India* program trains millions of young Indians in fields like IT, construction, and
manufacturing, ensuring they are ready for the job market.

2. **Entrepreneurship Promotion**:

Programs such as *Start-Up India* and *Mudra Yojana* provide financial and technical support to
young entrepreneurs by encouraging innovation and job creation.

3. **Education Reforms**:

NEP 2020 underscores provision of holistic education, vocational training, and critical thinking.
The curriculum is modernized and updated to meet the requirements of industries and
international standards.

4. **Digital Connectivity**

The *Digital India* initiative bridges the digital divide by expanding internet access to rural areas
and promoting digital literacy, ensuring that all youth can benefit from technology.

5. **Mental Health Support**:

Awareness campaigns and helplines are being set up to address mental health issues, ensuring
young people receive the support they need.

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### The Way Forward

In order to achieve the dream of "Viksit Bharat," India needs to provide an environment where
youth thrive. Some of the prime steps are as follows:

1. Expanding Skill Development:Introduce programs focused on emerging fields like artificial

intelligence, green technology, and robotics. This will prepare youth for future jobs.

2. **Encouraging Entrepreneurship :Provide adequate financial and technical assistance to rural

and semi-urban entrepreneurs for job creation and economic development.

3. **Education Development : Strengthen the infrastructure, teacher training, and digital

resources to ensure equitable access to quality education for all.

4. **Mental Health: Enhance awareness and availability of mental health counseling within
schools, colleges, and workplaces.

5. **Digital Divide: Ensure that affordable devices and high-speed internet access become
available for citizens to completely participate in the digital economy.

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# in conclusion I want to say that,

Viksit Bharat" will have a youth at its center, whose energy, creativity, and determination will drive
the engine of innovation, economic growth, and social progress in this nation. The Indian state
has a lot of youth in it, which if engaged will unlock potential to realize "Viksit Bharat.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, "The youth of today are the builders of tomorrow."
With their active participation, India can be transformed into a developed, prosperous, and
globally influential nation. The dream of "Viksit Bharat" is within reach, and the youth will lead the
way.