India’s young generation is no longer waiting on the sidelines but is actively shaping the country’s political, economic and social future, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal underscored the central role of youth in the journey towards a developed India.

On the occasion of National Youth Day, Sonowal was speaking at the National Conclave on “Viksit Bharat ka Sankalp aur Yuva”, organised by Hansraj College at Vigyan Bhawan here today. Sonowal said “the confidence, innovation and ambition of young Indians reflect a decisive shift in how India is being built.”

Paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda, Sonowal said the ideas of the iconic thinker remain deeply relevant for today’s youth. “Swami Vivekananda believed that all strength lies within the individual. His call to ‘Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached’ continues to inspire young Indians to pursue excellence with purpose,” Sonowal said.

Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, the Union Minister said youth today form the largest segment of the population and represent the country’s greatest strength. “The strength of India’s youth is the strength of the nation itself. Empowering young people can change the direction of India’s future,” Sonowal said.

Sonowal said that under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, youth empowerment has moved from rhetoric to policy. “Since 2014, youth have been placed at the centre of governance and nation-building. For the first time, their aspirations, skills and ideas are shaping national priorities,” he said.

Sonowal noted that while youth participation in nation-building remained limited for decades after independence, a clear shift has taken place over the past decade. “A new era has begun where young Indians are driving political participation, economic growth and India’s global presence,” he added.

Referring to flagship initiatives, Sonowal said programmes such as Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana are equipping crores of youth not just to seek employment but to become job creators. Startup India, he said, has created a robust ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation led by young Indians.

The Union minister said the National Education Policy has made education more practical, future-ready and globally competitive, enabling students to respond to rapidly changing economic and technological realities. “Knowledge, technology and skills are the backbone of a modern society, and India is steadily moving towards global leadership,” he said.

Sonowal also highlighted initiatives such as Khelo India for identifying sporting talent from across the country and providing global exposure, and Digital India for strengthening connectivity and access to opportunities.

Earlier, last evening, Sonowal interacted with students from Assam participating in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, describing them as confident, articulate and reflective of India’s emerging leadership class. Sonowal said the government’s youth-first approach is unlocking opportunities across sectors, including India’s growing maritime economy.

Inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, Sonowal said India’s youth are playing an active role in shaping the country’s future. “The journey towards Viksit Bharat is a national mission, and its success depends on the energy, ideas and leadership of our young citizens,” he said.

 

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