NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said no force can stop India from becoming a developed nation, thanks to its human capital in the form of youth power.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said he has blind faith on Swami Vivekananda and his belief on the country’s youth, and urged them to take ownership of the nation’s future, calling for active participation in shaping policies, fostering innovation, and considering politics as a platform for impactful action.
Reiterating the goal of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, Modi said, “Those who merely crunch numbers may find it difficult, but my inner conviction, supported by your trust, tells me that while the goal is ambitious, it is not impossible. The determination of crores of youth is propelling the nation forward, and we will surely achieve our targets.”
The dialogue, held on National Youth Day to mark Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, aligns with the PM’s vision to inspire one lakh youth with no prior political background to actively participate in the political arena.
He also spoke about how shared goals drive progress. “History teaches and inspires us. There are countless examples worldwide where a nation or community, united with a common goal, achieved incredible feats. In the 1930s, the US was mired in a severe economic crisis. People resolved to overcome it through the ‘New Deal’ and not only emerged from the crisis, but also accelerated their development. Singapore, once a small fishing village, became a global financial and trade hub through collective efforts and disciplined leadership,” he said.
‘Sankalp se Siddhi (realisation through resolve)’ emerged as a recurring theme, with Modi spotlighting milestones such as India’s open-defecation-free status, universal banking access, and rapid development of a Covid-19 vaccine.
While underscoring India’s recent accomplishments in startups, manufacturing, sports and digital transformation, and attributing these to the energy and determination of young leaders, Modi said, “In just a decade, you have brought India to the forefront of global progress.” He urged every citizen to take ownership of the journey to development. Stating that achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047 is not far off and it only requires daily targets, relentless pursuit, and collective effort, Modi said, “When India achieves its goals, it will not only transform the nation but also inspire the world.”
The PM also visited an exhibition on contributions from participants of the dialogue. He spent six hours engaging with 3,000 young leaders. Modi was also shown 10 presentations on topics like sustainable development, integrating technology in agriculture, and strategies for making India a manufacturing and startup hub. During the sessions, the PM offered suggestions, and encouraged the youth to pursue transformative ideas. In a unique gesture, he joined the young leaders for lunch, fostering informal yet meaningful discussions.
