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India, a vibrant country with an enormous youth population, is getting ready for its 27th National Youth Festival—a day marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on 12th January. Hosting the world's largest population of 1.45 billion people, which constitutes 17.5% of the world’s population, India is also home to the highest youth count in the world!
Brainstorming various ideas to facilitate such a huge population is no simple task. Proper resource allocation for the deserving with perseverance is vital. In the pursuit of Viksit Bharat @2047, aiming to make India a developed nation by the 100th year of Independence, focusing on youth has become a prominent pillar for integrated development.
Not Underdeveloped but Developing - The Youth
Despite being the world's largest democratic and republic nation, there are noticeable drawbacks in Indian youth development patterns. Just as an abundance of affection toward a child may lessen his behavior, the issue is not the lack of efficient laws and measures but their proper implementation. Fortunately, thanks to the positive aspects of AI, the process has geared up!
The factors hindering the youth from reaching their full potential can be categorized into five interlinked divisions:
Mental Ability
Skill
Education
Technology
Real-World Opportunities
These create opportunities to learn and teach simultaneously, supporting each other optimistically.
Mental Ability
Taking inspiration from other countries can help improve our practices. These practices impact our strength to think outside the box and instill moral values, preparing a whole new generation for a responsible tomorrow.
India gifted the world Yoga, yet its roots are trembling in its own country. Fortunately, Yoga is experiencing a resurgence. Similarly, Japan’s Group Harmony promotes respect and responsibility toward mankind. Traditional practices like storytelling, drama, origami, calligraphy, and family integration—which our grandparents cherished—are losing prominence due to IOT indulgence and improper parental styles in this speed generation.
Skill
The youth are often labeled as Skilled, Unskilled, or Semiskilled. This presents a great opportunity to impart vivid skills through an articulated plan, preparing them for innovations.
Education
India has prestigious educational institutions admired globally, yet students fall victim to early coaching, intense competition, and IOT-driven online classes, leading to the loss of their childhood. Peer pressure for quantity over quality further aggravates this issue, resulting in 720,000 suicides annually among the 15-29 age group, as per WHO.
Despite the government's protocols, physical education and sports enhancement programs are improving opportunities but still require more focus. The major concerns include:
Poor Basics – Inefficient teaching due to unqualified educators and improper management of young students.
Gap between Taught & Practical Knowledge – A major issue that many NGOs are now addressing globally.
Technology
The saying "Nothing is permanent" aptly describes technology. Just as we adapt to one advancement, a newer one emerges. Staying updated with tech developments is crucial for today’s youth. The Indian government has initiated various schemes and portals to support youth in tech advancements.
Real-World Opportunities
The accessibility of skilled individuals to academic or professional opportunities is becoming increasingly critical. Numerous apps and websites connect job seekers with employers, yet gaps persist due to mismatched skill sets and unrealistic salary expectations.
Additionally, a lack of interview preparation and skill updates contributes to the opportunity gap.
A Call to Action
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
We have the scope to overcome these drawbacks with measurable actions.
Overview
Change takes time. With a diverse population and vast geography, India’s transformation is challenging. However, blending the experience of Millennials with the creative energy of youth can lead to wonders. StartUp India, a buzzword since the pandemic, has led to numerous creative businesses—some successful and some disastrous.
The drawbacks of youth development discussed above must be addressed before they become contradictions.
Innovation with sustainability is the key to lasting progress in an era of environmental depletion.
Research investments are crucial to achieving this because we are the last generation that can prevent environmental collapse, and today’s youth is the first generation that can actively work for a sustainable future.
Thus, we call for:
Generation of sustainable jobs
Mental and physical health development for youth
Improvement of parenting styles for Gen Z
Nali Mounika
B.Com (Business Analytics), 2nd Year
Veranari Chakali Ilamma Mahila Vishwavidyalaya
Hyderabad, Telangana
10/01/2025
References:
PIB
WHO
Other sources
Note: Being from a metropolitan city and volunteering in rural areas, I have observed firsthand the varying degrees of development. Additionally, my experience as a one-time MUN participant exposed me to the extreme differences in youth development. This article is based on real-life encounters and analysis.
Author’s Background
I am N. Mounika, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, born and brought up in Telangana. I am currently pursuing graduation from VCIUW (formerly Osmania College for Women). My early education in SSC, competing with CBSE standards, showed me the gap between regional and national educational levels.
Although my competition journey was tough at first, it taught me confidence and knowledge for a better tomorrow. Volunteering for government-aided schools and NGOs exposed me to the other side of this era, inspiring me to write this article.
My dream is to become an IAS officer, and I am actively working towards it.
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