“Swami Vivekananda infused the nation with renewed vigor and enthusiasm during the era of slavery.”
“As we celebrate the consecration of the Ram Temple, let’s embark on cleanliness campaigns in all the temples across the country.”
“The global gaze is turning to India as a burgeoning force of skilled professionals.”
“The youth of today hold the opportunity to etch their names in history and shape its course.”
“Presently, the nation resonates with a youthful mood and style.”
Nashik: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra. He paid respects to the portraits of Swami Vivekananda and Rajmata Jijau, overseeing a march past by the state’s team and a cultural program themed ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047 – Yuva ke liye, Yuva ke dwara.’ The program featured Rhythmic gymnastics, Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and the National Youth Festival song.
Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of India’s youth power, dedicating the event to Swami Vivekananda, who infused the nation with vigor during the period of slavery. He extended his best wishes on National Youth Day, celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, and acknowledged the birth anniversary of Rajmata Jijabai, a symbol of India’s women power.
India's Yuva Shakti is our greatest strength. Addressing the National Youth Festival in Nashik. https://t.co/dkjydw7Sec
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2024
Prime Minister Modi said Maharashtra’s prolific history of producing exceptional individuals is not coincidental but a testament to the virtuous and courageous soil. He credited this land for giving rise to eminent figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji, women leaders like Devi Ahilyabai Holkar and Ramabai Ambedkar, as well as visionaries like Lokmanya Tilak, Veer Savarkar, Anant Kanhere, Dadasaheb Potnis, and Chapekar Bandhu, among others. Expressing reverence for the region, he acknowledged Lord Shree Ram’s significant connection to Panchwati, Nashik.
Recalling his call for a cleanliness campaign earlier this year, the Prime Minister recounted his visit to Shree Kalaram Temple in Nashik, emphasizing the importance of extending such campaigns to all temples, shrines, and pilgrimage centers across the nation before the consecration ceremony of the upcoming Shree Ram Temple.
आज मुझे कालाराम मंदिर में दर्शन करने का, मंदिर परिसर में सफाई करने का सौभाग्य मिला है।
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 12, 2024
मैं देशवासियों से फिर अपना आग्रह दोहराउंगा कि राम मंदिर में प्राण प्रतिष्ठा के पावन अवसर के निमित्त, देश के सभी मंदिरों में स्वच्छता अभियान चलाएं, अपना श्रमदान करें: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/B6ItrbRLsT
In underlining the prominence given to Yuvashakti (youth power), PM Modi quoted Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, attributing India’s achievement of entering the top 5 economies globally to the dynamic energy of its youth. He highlighted the nation’s standing in the top 3 startup ecosystems, record-breaking patents, and its evolution into a significant manufacturing hub, all reflective of the formidable youth power within the country.
श्री ऑरोबिन्दो, स्वामी विवेकानंद का मार्गदर्शन आज 2024 में, भारत के युवा के लिए बहुत बड़ी प्रेरणा है। pic.twitter.com/tm6ih2ESjx
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 12, 2024
PM Modi emphasized that the current moment of ‘Amrit Kaal’ is a unique moment for the youth of India. Recalling the epoch-defining contributions of personalities like M Visvesvaraya, Major Dhyan Chand, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Batukeshwar Dutt, Mahatma Phule, Savitri Bai Phule, the Prime Minister reminded the youth of their similar responsibilities during the ‘Amrit Kaal’. He asked them to work to take the nation to new heights. In the light of this unique opportunity, the Prime Minister said “I consider you the most fortunate generation in the history of India. I know the youth of India can achieve this goal”. The Prime Minister noted his satisfaction with the speed with which youth are getting linked with the MY-Bharat portal. In less than 75 days, 1.10 crore youths have registered on the portal.
इस कालखंड में देश में वो युवा पीढ़ी तैयार हो रही है, जो गुलामी के दबाव और प्रभाव से पूरी तरह मुक्त है। pic.twitter.com/mxcaSRyKFg
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 12, 2024
Acknowledging the government’s decade-long commitment to fostering opportunities and eliminating barriers for India’s youth, the Prime Minister highlighted the establishment of a modern and dynamic ecosystem across education, employment, entrepreneurship, emerging sectors, startups, skills, and sports. He discussed key initiatives such as the implementation of the New Educational Policy, the development of a contemporary skilling ecosystem, the PM Vishwakarma Yojna for artists and handicrafts, upskilling millions through PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna, and the establishment of new IITs and NITs.
Asserting that the world views India as a burgeoning skilled force, PM Modi emphasized the significance of providing training to youth eager to showcase their talents globally. He highlighted the positive impact of mobility agreements with countries like France, Germany, the UK, Australia, Italy, and Austria on the youth of the nation.
Declaring a new era of opportunities for the youth, the Prime Minister mentioned the supportive environment created in sectors such as drone technology, animation, gaming, visual effects, atomic energy, space exploration, and mapping. Citing the government’s rapid progress, he pointed to the growth of highways, modern trains, world-class airports, and digital services like vaccination certificates and affordable data, opening diverse avenues for the nation’s youth.
Emphasizing the youthful spirit prevalent in the country, PM Modi emphasized that the youth of today are not followers but leaders. He proudly stated that India has become a technology leader, citing successful missions like Chandrayaan 3 and Aditya L1. He also referenced indigenous accomplishments, including the ‘Made in India’ INS Vikrant, used for ceremonial salutes on Independence Day, and the Tejas fighter planes. Highlighting the widespread use of UPI and digital payments from small shops to large malls, he urged the youth to propel India into a developed nation during this transformative ‘Amrit Kaal’.
The Prime Minister encouraged the younger generation to embrace the present moment as an opportunity to breathe new life into their aspirations. “Now, we must not merely overcome challenges but set new, ambitious goals for ourselves,” stated the Prime Minister, outlining objectives such as achieving a 5 trillion dollar economy, securing the position of the third-largest economy, evolving into a manufacturing hub, and taking responsibility for climate change mitigation and the promotion of natural farming.
Expressing his unwavering belief in the potential of the young generation, PM Modi highlighted the emergence of a youth free from the shackles of historical influences and pressures. He commended the youth for confidently embracing both development and heritage. The Prime Minister noted the global recognition of yoga and Ayurveda, with Indian youth becoming influential ambassadors for these traditional practices.
Encouraging the youth to explore their culinary heritage, the Prime Minister urged them to inquire about traditional foods like bajra roti, kodo-kutki, ragi-jowar from their grandparents. He emphasized that these foods were unjustly associated with poverty due to the mindset of the past, and the government has rebranded millets and coarse grains as superfoods, making a resurgence in Indian households under the name Shree Anna. Modi urged the youth to become ambassadors for these nutritious grains, benefiting both personal health and the livelihoods of small farmers.
Promoting civic engagement, the Prime Minister urged the youth to serve the nation through politics. He highlighted the hope that world leaders place in India, attributing it to the country being the Mother of Democracy. Emphasizing the importance of youth participation in democracy to counteract dynasty politics, PM Modi encouraged expressing opinions through voting. Addressing first-time voters, he urged them to bring fresh energy and strength to democracy.
Highlighting the forthcoming 25 years of the Amrit Kaal as a period of duty, the Prime Minister called on the youth to prioritize their responsibilities for the progress of society and the nation. Recalling his earlier plea from the Red Fort, PM Modi reiterated the need to support local products, use only Made in India items, refrain from drugs and addiction, oppose the use of abusive language towards women, and contribute to eradicating such societal evils.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the youth of India would fulfill their responsibilities with unwavering dedication, likening the metaphorical lamp lit for the dream of a strong and competent India to an immortal light that would illuminate the world in the ages to come. The event was attended by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Anurag Singh Thakur, and Union Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Nisith Pramanik, among others.
The Prime Minister has consistently strived to involve the youth as a crucial element in the nation’s development journey. In line with this commitment, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival (NYF) in Nashik.
The National Youth Festival is an annual event held from January 12th to 16th, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12th. Maharashtra is the host state for this year’s festival, themed as Viksit Bharat@ 2047: युवा के लिए, युवा के द्वारा.
लोकतंत्र में युवाओं की भागीदारी जितनी अधिक होगी, राष्ट्र का भविष्य उतना ही बेहतर होगा: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/l1FEugO8Vk
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 12, 2024
NYF aims to establish a platform where youth from diverse regions of India can exchange their experiences and contribute to building a united nation, echoing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Approximately 7,500 youth delegates from across the country are actively participating in the NYF in Nashik. The event features a range of activities, including cultural performances, indigenous sports, declamation, thematic-based presentations, a young artist camp, poster making, story writing, youth convention, and a food festival, fostering a vibrant and dynamic environment.