Jaishankar Calls Upon Youth to Lead Nation-Building Efforts
Bhubaneswar : Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged the youth to step forward and take the lead in shaping India’s future during the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, held as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Jaishankar emphasized the critical role of young minds in advancing India’s aspirations, both domestically and globally. He noted that the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conclave underscores the valuable contributions made by young Indians, especially in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, innovation, startups, space exploration, drones, and sports.

“In the Amrit Kaal, as India journeys toward becoming a developed nation, the aspirations and efforts of the youth will determine the success of this vision,” Jaishankar stated, highlighting their pivotal role in taking societal leadership and driving progress.

The Minister reiterated the importance of motivating young people to amplify their contributions. Quoting badminton star P.V. Sindhu, Jaishankar referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative leadership, which has instilled a mindset of “change is possible” and “how can it not happen” in India’s younger generation.

He lauded the nation’s advancements in the digital economy, particularly through UPI transactions, and emphasized India’s emergence as a global hub for innovation, with over 90,000 startups and 100 unicorns. Initiatives like Drone Didi, Atal Tinkering Labs, hackathons, and the green hydrogen mission were highlighted as key drivers of this progress.

Jaishankar also pointed to transformational campaigns launched under Modi’s leadership since 2014, including Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ayushman Bharat, and Jal Jeevan Mission. He stressed the collective impact of these programs in securing the future of India’s youth by nurturing their skills and creativity.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with initiatives like the Know India Programme and Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, which strengthen connections between India and its global community. He encouraged young Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to bring their friends to explore India’s heritage and culture, fostering lifelong bonds.

Jaishankar concluded by highlighting India’s unique development journey, blending tradition and technology. “Our largest democracy is transforming into a modern, inclusive society, and the youth will define this path,” he remarked, calling on young Indians to lead the nation toward its ambitious goals.

The event set a positive tone for India’s engagement with its youth, both at home and abroad, emphasizing their role in nation-building and global leadership.