Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the 25th National Youth Festival in Puducherry via video conferencing on the occasion of the 159th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
According to an official statement, the two-day event aims to enlighten and ignite young minds towards the act of nation-building by unleashing their true potential. It also includes a national youth summit on Thursday that brings forth the diverse Indian culture, integrating them into a strong thread of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. The panel discussion in the summit will focus on ecology, climate, and SDG-led growth; technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation; indigenous and old knowledge; the national character, nation-building and homegrown.
“The year 2022 is very important for the youth of India. Today’s youth have to live for the country and fulfil the dreams of our freedom fighters. The strength of the youth will take India to great heights,” PM Modi said.
Inaugurating a technology centre under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the PM emphasised on developing skills of the youth. The Centre has the capacity to train around 6,400 youths per year. He also highlighted that MSMEs play a significant role in Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Today, India has a strong ecosystem of more than 50,000 startups, out of which more than 10,000 startups were set up in the past six to seven months amid the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. Compete and conquer is the mantra of New India,” Modi said.
He added: “Today’s youth have a can-do spirit, which is a source of inspiration for every generation. It is the strength of the youth that India has marched much ahead in digital payments. Today, the youth of India is writing code of global prosperity.”
PM Modi said that it is the government’s effort to give the youth the platform and infrastructure to develop the nation. “We want our youth to pursue their dreams without any barriers and apprehensions. We have reduced our government compliances. Schemes like Mudra Yojana, Startup India, Stand Up India, Skill India, Atal Innovation Mission and NEP are aiding their dreams,” he said.
Remembering the youth icons of India, PM said that the global representation of India’s youth in all sectors helps in the growth and prosperity of India. His idea of Vocal for Local aims to provide employment and uplift the economy.
“I have full faith in the youth of the nation and I am sure that they will take us to heights we haven’t even dreamed of,” he added.