Channelling Youths For A Viksit Bharat

The term “Gen-Z” that denotes today’s youths — those born between 1995 and 2010 — saw significant traction in 2025. In fact, the word became a part of household conversations in India after entering the vernacular language lexicon. The expression itself has elicited a diverse range of opinions. While some celebrate the passion, independence and clarity of thought that the Gen-Z generation brings, others felt that it was the angst and anxiety within the generation that led to change in governments in Nepal and Madagascar. Irrespective of these debates, the energy and passion that youths bring is undeniable. In spite of continuously being instigated by some members of the Opposition, India’s Gen-Z has been able to channel their energies as a force of good. This is clearly visible in their successes and the contributions that they have made to the India story.

Across the globe, the Gen-Z can internalise from the perspectives of Swami Vivekananda — one of the first to have consistently recognised the need to channel the power of the youths. Swami Vivekananda’s works continue to resonate deeply in contemporary India. This year, as we commemorate National Youth Day on January 12 on the occasion of the 164th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, India’s youths can disseminate his ideas on youth, character, and nation-building to their global contemporaries. Swami Vivekananda viewed youths not merely as a demographic category, but as a living force capable of shaping a nation’s destiny — provided that this energy was rooted in values, self-awareness, and cultural confidence. It is this energy that we have been able to successfully tap and channel in India’s youths as change leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.

In many ways, the present-day evolution of India’s youths reflects this very synthesis of modern outlook and civilisational grounding that he envisioned more than a century ago. It is for this reason that while other countries have seen the youths alienated from mainstream discourse, Indian youths have led and shaped many Jan Bhagidari (public participation) campaigns including but not limited to Swachch Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga, Meri Maati Mera Desh (tree planting) and Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-free India). Further, their adoption of modern technologies such as Unified Payment Interface (UPI), ‘India Stack’ and other Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and building innovative market solutions have created several Unicorns reinforcing their role as job creators.

Contrary to the widespread belief that India’s youths are drifting away from traditions and cultural moorings, there is growing evidence of a conscious reconnection with heritage and spiritual roots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced this in his 75th Independence Day address in 2022 when he spoke about the Panch Pran (five resolutions) when he exhorted every Indian to eradicate any remaining vestiges of colonial mentality and take pride in India’s rich heritage, culture, and legacy. Young Indians today are navigating a globalised world with smartphones in hand, yet they are also increasingly seeking meaning, identity, and continuity through India’s age-old traditions.

Today, temple visits, spiritual tourism, interest in Indian philosophy, yoga, and classical cultural practices are no longer confined to older generations. For the youths, these engagements are not acts of blind faith but expressions of cultural belonging and inner balance in an otherwise fast-paced and uncertain world. This shift became particularly visible during last year’s Kumbh Mela and this year’s New Year celebrations, when thousands of young people chose to usher in the New Year at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. At a time typically associated with urban festivities and nightlife, the sight of young devotees thronging one of the world’s oldest living spiritual centres carried deep symbolic meaning.

This changing mindset among the youths is also mirrored in India’s political and institutional landscapes. Political organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of generational transition and youthful leadership to reflect the aspirations of a young nation. In his Independence Day address in 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon one lakh youths, particularly those without prior political backgrounds, to enter politics and contribute to nation-building, underscoring his emphasis on greater participation of youths in public life. The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is one such platform that has been initiated to realise this goal. Prime Minister Modi has constantly interacted with young citizens to understand their aspirations, concerns, and ideas. In response to Prime Minister Modi’s call, the Bharatiya Janata Party has recently entrusted significant organisational responsibilities to younger leaders — illustrated by the appointment of a BJP working president from a younger generation. This further institutionalises Prime Minister Modi’s viewpoint that governance today must balance experience with innovation. This evolution in political leadership mirrors a broader societal shift increasingly shaped by youthful aspirations and participation.

Swami Vivekananda’s enduring belief that the regeneration of India lay in the strength, discipline, and moral clarity of its youth finds relevance in these developments. Today’s youths, by engaging actively with their cultural heritage while participating in governance, innovation, and national discourse, appear to be embodying a balanced ideal. As we collectively look to achieve a Viksit Bharat by 2047, we must acknowledge and encourage the positive role that India’s Gen-Z is playing in achieving these goals. On this National Youth Day, India stands at a unique junction where ts youth act as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern ambition to build a strong nation.

(G. Kishan Reddy is Union minister of coal and mines and represents Secunderabad Lok Sabha Constituency)