Indian Youth in Action: The Role of Young Leaders in Shaping Society
Youth are the most important and dynamic segment of the population in any country. Developing countries with large youth populations could see tremendous growth, provided they invest in young people’s education, health, and protection and guarantee their rights.
Today’s young are tomorrow’s innovators, creators, builders, and leaders.
But they need support for good health, education, training, and opportunities to transform the future.
The economic trigger happens when a country has more hands to work available than mouths to feed. To put it succinctly, the working-age population has to be larger than the dependent population.
Youth Demographics in India
Today, India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with more than 62% of its population in the working age group (15–59 years) and more than 54% of its total population below 25 years of age.
In 2023, the median age of India’s population was 28.2 years. This is expected to increase to 47.4806 years by 2100 compared to 40 years in the USA, 46 years in Europe, and 47 years in Japan. This gives us the edge of demographic dividend over other countries.
Today’s Youth is increasingly becoming restless and struggling to remove the disparities. However, more efforts need to be put in if we are to become free from the vicious circles of poverty, malnutrition, corruption, violence, and unemployment.
All these vices are still prevalent in society, not allowing our great nation to function in its real spirit.
Unfortunately, being a democratic nation and the largest democracy in the world, India is still lagging in achieving socio-political and economic equality, which our predecessors dreamed of.
As a nation, for 72 years, we have been striving to eliminate these inequalities at all levels, which exist in the forms of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, corruption, violence, gender bias, etc.
India is ranked
130 on the Human Development Index,
115 on the Human Capital Index,
100 on the Global Hunger Index,
122 on the World Happiness Index,
62 on the Inclusive Development Index,
141 on the Gender Development Index, and
145 on the Global Burden of Disease Study.
India’s rank in various development indices has barely grown over the years. Suppose India is to improve upon these indices. In that case, the Indian Youth needs to take charge and come forward to fight against multiple inequalities and contribute to nation-building.
Do you know that youth are helping in addressing Public Health Concerns, we have written an article in which you may be interested. Read here: Youth-led Campaigns Are Fresh Avenues for Addressing Public Health Concerns; WHO Believes
The Strength of Youth Movements
India has the edge of demographic dividend. They have the power to change the nation. The young minds will be fresher and more innovative, which will help the country’s progress.
But adequate opportunities should be given to the Youth to represent their ideas and policies for the upliftment of the nation.
Politics is the only way to express their ideas and implement their policies.
Young people should be motivated to participate in politics and to occupy high positions such as Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Governor.
Knowledge and unity speak a lot rather than experience. For instance, a mass protest by the Youth in Delhi for justice for the Nirbhaya case, a mass protest in Delhi for India against Corruption, and a mass protest in Marina Beach for Jallikattu, etc, are some of the prominent examples of the strength of Youth.
Suppose the ruling power is given in the hands of the Youth. In that case, India will become a developed nation soon.
Empowering Youth through Education
They have the power to change. Education programs should teach young minds from the school level the importance of choosing the right people to take charge of governance.
Conventionally, Youth have been asked to stay away from politics.
Youth should be motivated to consider politics as a means to serve the nation. They should be oriented on anti-corruption drives focusing on prevention, education, and strategies for fighting corruption. Good governance is realistic with youth empowerment.
The pivotal role of Youth who are afresh with ideas and not ideals will help in this movement towards a transparent civil society structure that can influence the political administration for the benefit of the society.
It is only through a robust system of representation that democracy works, and it is only through a strong youth representation that the dynamism and vigor of a country are maintained.
It is, therefore, essential to acknowledge the role of civil societies in empowering Youth to strengthen the country’s democratic system and promote sustainable development.
The solution lies in effectively utilizing modern tools to disseminate the belief among Youth on their participation and representation in democracy through civil society initiatives.
Youth and Social Unity
Our nation needs them to resolve most of our problems. Currently, India is facing many challenges, and Youth can solve them.
They need to be given a chance to prove themselves. Youth have the power to unite individuals in the various ethnic groups.
Racism is an ongoing issue around the world. Individuals are fighting against each other because of their skin’s complexion and hair texture. Religion is another issue; the youths can convince their fellow man to live in peace and love.
All of us are one, and we should not allow these little differences to push us away from each other.
There is also a lot of crime taking place. Women are being killed by their abusive husbands. People’s homes and businesses are being broken into. All of this crime and violence needs to stop. Once more, the Youth can bring about a change in the country.
Nowadays younger generation is moving towards a green future. We have written an article on how Youth are helping to make a Sustainable Future. Read here.
Challenges Faced by Youth
Youths can face any issues and challenges. They have a positive influence on their fellow young people. They can teach them the positive things in life. Those destroying their future tend to listen to their fellow youths.
They will make them understand the importance of being a good human being.
The wise Youth that we have out there should be taken into consideration. Some of them, though educated, are unemployed. They should be allowed to expose their intelligence and become someone.
Government, civil society, voluntary organizations, and other stakeholders should assist the Youth in making our land tremendous and educated.
They will make a huge difference in society and the entire world. The Youth are our life and nation. They will make our country proud. The country will be recognized.
The Youth need support and an enabling environment at the family, community, society, state, national, and international levels, which will help them perform their duties.
Supporting the Youth: A Collective Responsibility
The role of the Youth in nation-building is crucial. They are problem solvers, positively influence other young people and the nation, and are highly ambitious.
They can create an identity for themselves and move the nation forward.
However, they cannot do this without the support of family, community, Government, and fellow youths. Then, the Youth can make their beautiful land flourish and shine in success.
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