In a significant move towards shaping the future of India, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth’ initiative. Launched via video conferencing, this ambitious program is designed to actively involve the nation’s youth in the formulation of plans, priorities, and goals, with a focus on making India a developed nation by 2047—the 100th year of the country’s independence.
The launch of Viksit Bharat @2047 took place during a series of workshops organized at Raj Bhawans across the country, with the Prime Minister addressing Vice Chancellors of Universities, Heads of Institutes, and faculty members. These workshops marked the beginning of a comprehensive initiative that seeks to engage the youth in shaping the trajectory of the nation’s development.
Prime Minister Modi commenced his address by extending gratitude to the Governors for organizing the workshops dedicated to the development of Viksit Bharat. He called this occasion “Amrit Kaal,” highlighting its historical significance as a chance for the country to make significant growth advancements. Acknowledging the crucial role that academic institutions play, he emphasized that a nation’s success is closely tied to the growth of its populace.
Highlighting the urgency of the present era, Prime Minister Modi called upon every citizen to seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing “Amrit Kaal.” Drawing parallels with neighbouring countries that achieved rapid development within defined timeframes, he asserted, “For India, this is the time, the right time (Yahi Samay hai, Sahi Samay hai),” urging the nation to make the most of this auspicious period.
The Prime Minister harked back to India’s glorious struggle for freedom, characterizing it as a source of inspiration for the nation’s youth. He emphasized that every endeavour during that era, be it Satyagraha, the revolutionary path, non-cooperation, or social and educational reforms, was geared towards the ultimate goal of freedom. He invoked the spirit of iconic universities like Kashi, Lucknow, Vishwa Bharti, and others, which played a pivotal role in fostering the consciousness of the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi urged institutions and individuals to align their efforts with the singular objective of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or Developed India. He stressed the need for educators and universities to explore ways to expedite the nation’s journey towards development, identifying specific sectors for improvement.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of channelling the energy of students and youth towards the shared goal of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Recognizing the diversity of ideas, he emphasized the necessity of integrating all streams to build a unified, developed India. He encouraged institutions to go beyond their conventional limits and actively contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
To facilitate active participation, Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of the Ideas Portal related to Viksit Bharat. Citizens are invited to share their suggestions on five different themes, with a prize arranged for the top 10 suggestions. The Prime Minister cleverly noted that an “Idea starts with an ‘I,’ just like India begins with an ‘I’,” underlining the individual’s role in the collective development of the nation.
Elaborating on the need for suggestions, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the creation of an ‘Amrit generation’ that places national interest at the forefront. He called for a broadened perspective, moving beyond education and skills, to instil civic sense and awareness of national interests among citizens. The Prime Minister provided examples, urging citizens to contribute to the preservation of natural resources, water conservation, electricity-saving, reduced chemical usage in farming, and increased reliance on public transport.
Moreover, he urged the education fraternity to suggest ways of revitalizing Swachhta Abhiyan, addressing lifestyle issues, and encouraging the youth to explore the world beyond mobile phones. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for educators to serve as role models for students, reflecting social thinking in governance.
Drawing an analogy between the development of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and an examination, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of confidence, preparation, and dedication among citizens. He declared a 25-year ‘Amrit Kaal,’ urging every citizen to work tirelessly for the goal of Viksit Bharat. This, he emphasized, is a collective effort that requires the creation of an environment akin to a family, where every member actively contributes to the nation’s development.
Acknowledging India’s demographic advantage, Prime Minister Modi recognized the youth as both agents of change and beneficiaries of change. He stressed that the next 25 years would be decisive for the careers of today’s youth, as they embark on creating new families and shaping a new society.
In this context, the Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to connect every youth with the action plan for a developed India. He stressed the need to incorporate youth opinions in policies and highlighted the role of education in fostering youth engagement.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi underscored that the roadmap for progress would not be decided solely by the government but by the collective efforts of the nation. He emphasized the power of ‘Sabka Prayas’ (everyone’s effort) by citing examples of successful initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India, and Vocal for Local. He affirmed that Viksit Bharat could only be built through the active participation of every citizen.
The ‘Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth’ initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to actively involve the youth in shaping national plans and priorities. It provides a crucial platform for the youth to contribute ideas towards the comprehensive vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. This vision encompasses economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Prime Minister Modi called upon scholars to actively participate in this campaign, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ is not merely a government-driven initiative but a collective journey towards a developed India, where every citizen’s input is valued. As the nation embarks on this ambitious path, the voice of the youth emerges as a beacon, guiding the way towards a brighter and more prosperous future for India.