CRAFTING VISION FOR VIKSHIT BHARAT- FROM A YOUTH PERSPECTIVE
"Ask not what your country can do for you — rather ask yourself what you can do for your country." - JOHN F. KENNEDY
From our mesmerizing landscapes to our rich heritage, from unique culture and diverse history to joyful festivals, India is a gorgeous amalgamation of traditions, languages, people and their way of living. Being a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society, India has been called the golden sparrow which always believed in “Unity in Diversity“.
It is a mystique melting pot of vibrating diversity where each state from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari specializes in their specific ethics, traditions, languages, folksongs, dance, attires, identities, and cuisines.
It takes pride in its 1.3 billion citizens who can have different perspectives about life, religion, economy, politics, and yet belong to one nation, Bharat. India is a secular country that boasts about its constitution that guarantees all its citizens the freedom of faith, right to freedom of expression, right to speak different languages, and livelihood. India’s great historical heritage signifies its dynamism and optimism. India’s cultural strength and political unity make it the world’s largest democracy. Belief in spirituality, conscience, and tradition are important virtues.
With the world’s second-largest population belonging to various ethnic groups, the greatest virtue of Indian culture has been its power to tolerate challenges. Despite the invasions and rule by the British, the oneness of the whole nation despite its diverse caste and race stood with its moral and spiritual values that strengthened India’s struggle and forced the British Empire to free India from their captivity.
We have “RAM” in RAMZAN and “ALI” in DIWALI. How can religion divide us? The difference in opinion, way of life, faith, and religion is its strength and pride, not weakness.
The empowered youth from diverse backgrounds like food to fashion to finance are the forerunners of assessment, awareness, action, and advocacy for sustainable development. They are the main stakeholders, policymakers, a powerful resource in handling responsibilities, revolutionizing fellow men, and a catalyst for change, being the change you want to see in your country. Mother India, a young nation, has 250 crore arms and 200 crore of those arms are younger than 35. They are brought up with the ideology of Gandhiji - “Be the change you want to see in your country” to make India a strong and self-reliant nation.
Youth act as critical thinkers with their energy, voice, and actions. They have the capacity to identify and challenge the existing powers and expose the barriers to change. Being good communicators to their peers and communities at the grassroots level, they make people aware and knowledgeable of the goals for an active transition from MDG to SDG. They are an effective force by suggesting alternative concrete solutions through the right to vote and encouraging people to advocate for change in political decisions. Youth voice matters!!
The simplified definition is an act of simple living with high thinking and intent on not harming the environment and preventing as much harm from occurring to the environment. It is far beyond just good urban planning or stricter codes or just turning off lights or proper garbage recycling – it’s about changing the mindset of how we live.
Former President Dr. Zakir Hussain stated that, “Youth form the vanguard of the nation, which when properly channelized shall be instrumental for the development of the country.” With youth, comes vibrancy and optimism. Yet a failure to invest can lead to energy turned in destructive rather than constructive directions.
1) CLEAN TOWN
Swachh Bharat, the cleanliness drive program, initiated by our Honourable Prime Minister, aims to make India clean by 2nd of October 2019 marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bapu with the mantra of “NA GANDAGI KARENGE, NA KARNE DENGE” (neither litter nor let others litter), has evoked a massive change in the country’s outlook and citizens’ attitude.
"Sanitation is more important than independence. I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet." - Gandhiji
Devote 100 hours per year (2 hours per week) to voluntary work for cleanliness following the path of Shri Narendra Modi and ensuring others devote too.
Use of 'SWACHHATA' app, a GOI initiative and portals like The Digital India campaign, ‘mygov.in’ and Chai Pe Charcha for addressing civic-related issues using our smartphones.
A mandatory percentage of the city should be allotted for plantation.
Bio-friendly mobile toilets should be made at important junctions like bus stops, parks, and markets.
Making education Smart through e-attendance, e-homework, and e-Syllabus targeting paper-free and bagless education.
Schools should add Green Practices as a subject encouraging habits like planting trees, using bicycles, and motivating people regarding solid and liquid waste management.
Bollywood’s initiative in the form of the movie “Toilet” highlighting the problems of rural women due to open defecation is highly appreciable.
2) GO GREEN
The dream of a ‘Green Prosperous India’ relies heavily on the focus on “education for sustainability and not about sustainability.”
Environmental green initiatives and camps like “Each one, plant one”, CLEAN-India, Namami Ganga Plan, Rally for Rivers, and youth forums like Youth Ki Awaaz should be implemented.
Organizing events and intercollegiate competitions in schools and colleges with posters, slogans, and informative skits to inform them in a more engaging way rather than through textbooks.
Promotion of such events on social media and Raahgiri with the observation of Earth Day and Environment Day.
3) SMARTER CONNECTIVITY
The government services like The Digital India campaign, portals such as ‘mygov.in’, and Chai Pe Charcha have helped in educating the older generation.
Smarter towns can help in developing smarter villages by e-services selling their Organic vegetables, and handicraft items (Veggie Cart).
Building of free WiFi hotspot places at multiple locations in the town.
4) SMART TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS
The sustainable public transportation system by city buses, trams, and metro rails should use CNG in their vehicles.
The public bicycle system that is easy to use yet very healthy should be encouraged.
A stringent rule should be made to use public transport at least 3-4 days a week.
Extra green credits and wages to employees using cycles or green bikes must be given.
Implementation of road, rail, and air connectivity in the state.
5) SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT
Recycling and reusing in an eco-friendly way without harming our ecosystem should be established.
Smart sorting techniques of Degradable, Recyclable, and Total Waste items to prevent time and cost.
Gas supply should be provided in pipelines and not cylinders.
6) SUSTAINABLE ENERGY RESOURCES
Solar Power Panels should replace Mobile telecom towers run by Diesel Generators.
Power supply cables should be made underground avoiding accidents, minimizing space, reducing installation costs, and making the city look spacious and wire-free.
United India is where:
Poverty and Illiteracy are history,
Education becomes the priority,
Agriculture and Health work in symphony,
Women and Children live in harmony,
Wildlife, Heritage, and Technology live with integrity.
SAMRUDH AND SHRESTH BHARAT!!!!
Arpita Subhadarshinee – A Doctor Who Writes Her Heart Out While Not Writing Prescriptions
Arpita Subhadarshinee is a dedicated doctor with a passion for both healing and writing. When she's not tending to patients, she pours her heart into words, expressing her thoughts on society, wellness, and personal reflections.
Her writing is a blend of insight, empathy, and inspiration, reflecting her deep understanding of life and human resilience. With a keen eye for detail and a compassionate perspective, Arpita uses her pen to create an impact beyond the walls of a clinic.
Through her words, she aims to heal, empower, and bring about positive change—proving that a doctor’s influence extends far beyond prescriptions.