The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, January 12:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India’s youth are at the centre of the country’s transformation journey and will be the decisive force in achieving the goal of a developed nation by 2047. Addressing the concluding session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, the Prime Minister described young Indians as energetic, innovative and purpose-driven partners in nation-building.
Recalling his long association with the youth, Modi said that many participants were children or not yet born when he began his public journey, but his faith in the younger generation has always remained firm. He remarked that the coming years, leading up to the centenary of Independence, will define both India’s future and the destiny of its youth.
The Prime Minister noted that the event coincided with National Youth Day and the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, whose thoughts continue to inspire generations. He said the ideals of Vivekananda remain a guiding force for India’s Amrit Peedhi and form the philosophical foundation of the Viksit Bharat vision.
Highlighting the growing scale of youth participation, Modi said the Young Leaders Dialogue has evolved into a powerful platform for direct engagement, with millions of registrations and active participation through challenges and idea-sharing initiatives. He praised the quality of suggestions received, particularly on themes such as women-led development and democratic participation, calling them a reflection of the strong resolve of India’s young generation.
Contrasting the present with the period before 2014, the Prime Minister said governance was once marked by policy paralysis, red tape and limited opportunities for youth. He noted that reforms over the past decade have fundamentally changed this landscape, enabling faster decision-making and wider access to opportunities.
Referring to India’s startup ecosystem, Modi said the country had fewer than 500 startups before 2014, but reforms such as Startup India, Digital India and Ease of Doing Business unlocked youth potential and triggered a startup revolution. He cited sectors like space, drones and defence, where opening up to private participation has resulted in hundreds of youth-led enterprises and cutting-edge innovation.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the Allison impact of Digital India, saying it has fueled the rapid expansion of India’s Orange Economy, driven by culture, creativity and content. He said fields such as media, gaming, music, digital content and immersive technologies are opening new avenues for young creators, with platforms like WAVES emerging as launchpads for talent.
Emphasising that reforms are accelerating further, Modi said youth remain at the heart of the government’s policy agenda. He referred to tax relief measures, next-generation GST reforms, energy-sector initiatives and skill-development programmes aimed at preparing Indian youth for global opportunities. He added that education reforms and the entry of foreign universities into India will further strengthen the country’s talent ecosystem.
Calling for a deeper mental transformation, the Prime Minister urged the youth to free the nation from a colonial mindset that undervalues India’s heritage and capabilities. While encouraging learning from global best practices, he stressed the importance of self-confidence and pride in India’s civilisational strengths.
Concluding his address, Modi expressed complete faith in the energy and potential of India’s youth and urged them to move forward with confidence, fitness and optimism. He extended his wishes on National Youth Day, reaffirming that Yuva Shakti will remain the driving force behind India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat.
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