Swami Vivekananda, who inspired and awakened the intelligence and strength of the youth, said, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved." He viewed the youth with great hope and expectation, considering them the torchbearers of change. National poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, in his book "Sanskriti Ke Char Adhyay," expressed Swami Ji's essence, writing, "Whatever Abhinav Bharat had to say, it was proclaimed from Vivekananda's mouth. Vivekananda gave a clear message about the direction in which Abhinav Bharat had to go. Vivekananda is the bridge where ancient and modern India unites. On the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who regarded youth power as the vital consciousness of the nation and the driving energy for societal progress, I humbly pay tribute to him on National Youth Day.
Our visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recognized the immense potential of the younger generation and guided them to focus on GYAN, where "G" represents the welfare of the poor, "Y" stands for youth empowerment, "A" signifies support for food providers, and "N" emphasizes women’s welfare. He emphasized the importance of discipline, humility, positivity, skill development, and nurturing talent among the youth. Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister's vision, I am pleased to announce the launch of the "Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission" in Madhya Pradesh starting today.
This mission has been shaped with a "Focus on Knowledge" at its core, aligning with Madhya Pradesh's "Youth Policy-2023." Its primary aim is to raise awareness among the youth about quality education, skill development, mental and physical well-being, employment opportunities, and social responsibility. The mission is dedicated to the welfare of youth from urban and rural areas, including those from economically and socially disadvantaged sections. It also seeks to empower women, persons with disabilities (Divyang), youth, and farmers, ensuring inclusive growth and development.
We have initiated efforts on multiple fronts for the development of youth. Recruitment processes for government jobs in various departments have been set in motion. To enhance quality education, 55 PM Shri Colleges of Excellence have been established. In the field of medical education, work is progressing in Ayurvedic, Allopathic, and Homeopathic streams. Last year, we inaugurated three medical colleges, and I am pleased to share that 25 new medical colleges will be launched within the next two years under the PPP model. Youth play a pivotal role in the employment-oriented initiatives under the Regional Industry Conclaves being organized across different regions of the state. IT parks in cities like Rewa and Ujjain have created employment opportunities for young individuals, allowing them to build their careers within the state based on their qualifications and skills.
The "Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission" will place a strong emphasis on the skill development of youth. A dedicated Skill University will be established to provide training aligned with employment needs. Specialized training programs will focus on skill development in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and services. Additionally, various schemes will be launched to promote entrepreneurship among the youth and create local employment opportunities. The mission will encourage youth to actively participate in environmental conservation, raise awareness against social evils, and preserve the nation’s cultural heritage. Through sports and cultural activities, efforts will be made to enhance their mental and physical well-being, fostering a well-rounded and responsible young generation.
The slogan of the Yuva Shakti Mission is "Atma Deepo Bhavah"—be your own lamp, be your own guide. This principle, envisioned by Swami Vivekananda years ago, serves as the foundation for the mission's efforts to empower and nurture the youth. Swami Vivekananda called upon the youth to harness their capability and intelligence, embody
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of providing proper encouragement to the youth. It is noteworthy that 27.03 percent of India's population falls within the 15 to 29 age group. When the youth are skilled, capable, and self-reliant, they drive the progress of society and the nation as a whole. With this vision, the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission aims to foster qualities such as education, skill development, and community service among the youth, empowering them to become leaders. The mission will provide resources and opportunities to enable their growth.
(Author is Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh)
