Half of the world's population is now under the age of 25. This is the largest youth generation to ever exist; imagine what the world would be if they were channelised
India's Parliament witnessed chaotic scenes on December 13, 2023, when two men intruded into the chamber, shouting slogans and spraying coloured gas whilst jumping from table to table. They released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the members of Parliament. Simultaneously, two individuals, including a woman, sprayed coloured gas and shouted slogans outside the Parliament premises. All of them have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.
The recent breach in India's Parliament on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 attack by disruptive individuals highlights the consequences of unchanneled youth energy. The intruders – Sagar, Manoranjan, Amol, and Neelam, in their early thirties and mid-forties, expressed discontent over issues such as farmers, the Manipur crisis, and unemployment through this act. Neelam, surprisingly educated with multiple degrees (in MA, BEd, MEd, CTET, MPhil and NET), was among those arrested. This shocking incident underscores the need to harness the dynamism of the younger generation for constructive nation-building, prompting reflection on the importance of addressing their concerns through positive channels.
Youth occupy a pivotal role in society as the future leaders and driving force of progress. Their numerical strength, combined with energy and innovative ideas, constitutes a potent asset. The National Youth Development Policy emphasises that youths form the foundation of a nation, shaping its development, security, and socio-political landscape. Their creative talents and labour contribute significantly to economic and societal advancements. The dreams and aspirations of the youth serve as a source of motivation, ensuring a nation's vitality and purpose. Consequently, a nation's future is secured through the dynamic potential and vision of its youth.
According to Douglas Bourn, Professor of Development Education and working at University College London, “Youth have their own set of values, expectations and perceptions regarding the authority and the ideal work environment. The characteristics of the youth are reported to have been influenced by leaders, development, technologies and trends of its time globally but their behaviour may vary by region depending on social and economic conditions”.
Further, Professor of Management, S P Eisner asserts that “Youth tend to have a strong sense of morality, being patriotic, willing to fight for freedom, sociable, and value home and family, and they have different expectations, values, attitude and behaviours.
Time and again, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address from various public platforms has called upon the strength of youth for the welfare of the society and nation, per se and reiterated his firm conviction on the potential of the youth in the process of development of India in the global stage.
One must also acknowledge that India is a young country with more than half of the citizens under the age of 30. The Indian youth are, therefore, big stakeholders in the country, and, therefore, they must be taken seriously and respectfully as partners in nation-building.
Drawing insights from the teachings of visionaries like Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., and many others, the transformative role of youth can be further underscored.
The impact of Swami Vivekananda's teachings can be observed in the emergence of youth-led movements aimed at societal transformation. For instance, the "Youth for Seva" initiative, inspired by Swami Vivekananda's call to serve the community, engages young volunteers in various social service activities across the country. These volunteers contribute to education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives, embodying the spirit of selfless service advocated by Swami ji.
Mahatma Gandhi, a key figure in India's independence movement, urged youth to actively engage in societal transformation. Through movements like the Dandi March and Quit India, he inspired a generation of 'satyagraha' advocating nonviolent resistance. In a 1927 'Young India' article, Gandhi emphasised rural immersion, urging youth to serve humbly in villages and lead by example. He envisioned them as messengers of God, fostering empathy and elevating living standards. Mahatma Gandhi highlighted the transformative power of genuine engagement, akin to a controlled stream evolving into a mighty force. Today, his call for selfless service and grassroots involvement resonates, emphasising their enduring significance in nation-building.
Likewise, Sardar Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Subhas Chandra Bose exemplified the dynamic spirit driving India's independence struggle – though the path was different. Their fearless leadership inspired countless youth, symbolising the transformative power of young individuals. In contrast, the intruders (in Parliament) on December 13 tarnished the nation's dignity, lacking the positive impact and inspiration that characterised the selfless dedication of the freedom fighters and leaders who helped shape India's destiny.
Similarly, Raja Ram Mohan Roy's emphasis on education as a tool for social reform finds resonance in initiatives like the “Teach for India” programme that recruits young, dynamic individuals to teach in underprivileged schools, addressing educational disparities and bridging the social gap.
Beyond the shores, the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid struggle, epitomised by the 1976 'Soweto Uprising,' showcased the fervour of young activists rising for change. Today, the ‘Nelson Mandela Foundation’ sustains his legacy, empowering youth for social justice.
Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr.'s global influence, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, thrives through nonviolent resistance. Youth leaders like John Lewis and Diane Nash were pivotal in the Civil Rights Movement, using sit-ins and freedom rides to combat racial injustice, resulting in legislative changes and segregation dismantling. Young activists, central to Indian independence and the American Civil Rights Movement, showcased passion and commitment towards challenging oppressive systems. Their enduring impact underscores the transformative potential wielded by dedicated young people, resonating as a testament to the ongoing power of youth in shaping a more just society.
India's youth are at the forefront of a burgeoning startup ecosystem. Companies like Flipkart, Zomato, and Ola, founded by young entrepreneurs, showcase how innovative ideas, driven by youthful energy, can transform industries. These startups contribute not only to economic growth but also to changing societal dynamics.
Not only this, globally, youth-led environmental movements, inspired by leaders like Greta Thunberg, have gained momentum. In India, youth participation in movements advocating for sustainable practices, tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns and now startups reflect a growing consciousness for sustainable living among the younger generation.
As we all know that half of the world's population is now under the age of 25, and 1.8 billion people are between the age of 11-25. This is considered to be the largest youth generation to ever exist. Many countries such as Sweden, Japan, and Germany have already started gaining from the Youth by providing them with opportunities in different sectors.
A thriving nation towards development, India has great potential in its youth power. They are the pillars upon which the success, progress and prosperity of a nation’s future are built. When their strength, potential and creativity are properly harnessed, they are great assets to any nation. But it is imperative, that the cliché that youths are the leaders of tomorrow go beyond mere platitudes and words to action. It will be worthwhile to remember that there will be no success without a successor.
(The writer is programme executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)
