NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised that India’s journey to becoming a developed nation will be driven by its young population’s potential. Marking Swami Vivekanada’s birth anniversary, also observed as National Youth day, the PM was speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam.
PM Modi acknowledged that while some view this goal as challenging, it remains achievable, adding that he has faith in the youth of today. “Swami Vivekananda had a lot of faith in the youth of the country. Swami ji used to say that I have faith in the young generation, in the new generation. Swami ji used to say that my workers will come from the young generation and they will find solution to every problem. Just like Vivekananda ji had faith in you, I have faith in Vivekananda ji, I have faith in everything he said,” said PM Modi.
Further highlighting the significance of the country’s demographic advantage, PM said, “When our decisions are guided by the same principles, when the direction of every step is aligned and when the spirit of our policy is united that is ‘Viksit Bharat’ then, no power in the world can stop us from becoming a developed India.”
“Big targets have to be set for a country to march forward… This is what today’s India is doing,” also stated PM Modi in his address to the youth, noting that the nation is reaching numerous milestones across sectors ahead of schedule.
He also mentioned that India will achieve its target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol before the 2030 deadline.
The prime minister emphasised that governmental efforts alone are insufficient for national progress. He told the assembled youth that ‘Viksit Bharat’ belongs not just to him but to them as well.
He assured that their ideas would influence national policies and provide direction to the country’s development.
He stressed that reaching ambitious targets requires active involvement from every citizen.
Drawing parallels, he referenced the American economic recovery post-1930s and Singapore’s transformation from an underdeveloped region to an economic powerhouse, emphasising that, “Setting and achieving big goals is not just the work of any one government machinery, it is a must that every citizen of the country joins it. Lakhs of people have joined it.”
“The ownership of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ is not just mine but yours too,” said PM Modi directly addressing the gathered youth.
Describing the period until 2047 as India’s golden period (Amrit Kaal), Modi expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
He also talked about India’s aspiration to host the Olympics within the next decade, noting the ongoing preparations.
Additionally, highlighting economic growth’s importance, PM Modi noted how India’s capabilities and budgetary allocations have expanded with economic progress.
The PM asserted that as India’s economy progresses towards becoming the world’s third-largest, it is projected to exceed USD 10 trillion in the next decade.
