Backing the demonetisation decision and asserting that black money had "destroyed" the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached out to the youth, asking them to fight against the challenges and to never stop learning.
As the political heat continues over demonetisation issue, the Prime Minister said that corruption and the flow of black money in the country adversely affects the nation’s progress.
“The youth are fighting against the challenges and the nation is changing with their efforts,” said he, while speaking through video conference at the inauguration of the 21st National Youth Festival in Rohtak.
With several Opposition parties and leaders blaming the Prime Minister for escalating public distress due to demonetisation, Modi urged the youth to guide others around them on the increased flow of cashless transactions.
Hailing the youth for their contribution to various aspects of the society, the Prime Minister pitched for a new mantra focussing on three “Cs” namely collectivity, connectivity and creativity.
He asked the youth to boldly face six major challenges of life including ignorance, insensitivity, triviality about society, casteism, challenge of disrespect to women and carelessness about environment.
While paying rich tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, he reminded that Swami Vivekananda had said rise, awake and didnot stop until the goal is achieved.
Congratulating the youth on the occasion of National Youth Festival (NYF), he said that such occasions provide an opportunity to the youth of different states to understand culture and traditions of each other.
With the festival’s theme titled “Youth For Digital India”, Modi asked the youth to train their families in how to make digital transactions.
Modi appreciated the progress made under Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao initiative by Haryana saying that if people decide to accomplish something, even the impossible becomes possible.
He also appreciated that during this year, Haryana has done partnership with Telangana to strengthen bonds and mutual understanding.
The Prime Minister also paid rich tributes to Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya whose birth centenary was being celebrated.
More than 5000 youth from all over the country are participating in the five days festival. The festival would see participation of youth in various competitive and non-competitive events, ‘yuvakriti exhibition’ and food festival.
Besides, eminent scholars, authors, youth icons and motivational speakers would participate in the ‘Suvichar and Youth Convention of NYF-2017.
The festival is also showcasing the policies and programmes of the Central Government, including those being undertaken to promote digital economy. Stalls for Digital Payment Training (UPI/e-wallet/debit cards/credit cards/PoS) would be set up at various venues to educate the masses about digital financial transactions.
A number of ‘Selfie Spots’ with attractive backdrops based upon flagship programmes of the Central Government is also set up, where the delegates and youth may get their photographs clicked.