The Youth Conclave 2024, held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, highlighted the pivotal role of young citizens in shaping India's future. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, delivered an inspiring keynote that highlighted the transformative power of youth in realizing the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India, or "Viksit Bharat," by 2047.
Celebrating Youth Potential on International Youth Day
The event, titled 'Impact With Youth Conclave 2024,' was held in conjunction with International Youth Day, themed 'From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.' This theme emphasized the growing importance of digitalization and its impact on youth engagement in sustainable development. Dr. Mandaviya, in his address, celebrated the energy, innovation, and commitment of young people, asserting that their contributions are crucial to achieving the nation's goals.
"The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the change-makers of today," Dr. Mandaviya stated. "Your energy, innovation, and dedication are key to realizing the Hon'ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Digital technologies will facilitate skill development, foster youth leadership, and promote community participation. The Government's 'My Bharat' online platform is designed to support these objectives," he added.
A Call to Action for India’s Youth
Dr. Mandaviya urged the youth to set ambitious goals and align their career aspirations with the broader objective of national development. He stressed that while government initiatives are vital, the active participation of young individuals is equally crucial. "Ask yourself, 'What can I do to benefit my nation?' and 'What should I avoid doing to prevent harming my nation?' By embracing this mindset, we can collectively work towards a brighter future for India," he encouraged.
Interactive Dialogue and Inspiring Stories
The conclave featured a special segment called 'Yuvaa Samvaad,' where Dr. Mandaviya engaged directly with the youth. This interactive dialogue allowed participants to share their stories of overcoming obstacles and making positive community changes. These stories highlighted the resilience and determination of the younger generation and their capacity to drive societal transformation.
Skilling Youth and Environmental Conservation
Dr. Mandaviya also focused on the need for skill development and enhancing economic opportunities for youth. He encouraged participation in the Prime Minister’s #Plant4Mother initiative, underscoring the significant role that young people play in environmental conservation and sustainable practices. By engaging in such initiatives, youth can contribute to broader environmental goals and support sustainable development.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative in India and Co-Chair of the UNICEF YuWaah board, echoed the sentiment of youth empowerment. "International Youth Day serves as a reminder of the immense contributions young people make to their communities and the world," she said. "We are committed to improving access to skilling, volunteering, innovation, and entrepreneurship through our partnership with the Government of India and digital platforms like YouthHub."
The conclave also saw the participation of several notable figures, including Mr. Madhish Parikh, National Youth Awardee and Founder and President of the Elixir Foundation; Mr. Prashanta Dash, Chief of the Gujarat Field Office at UNICEF; and Dr. Kamal Kumar Kar, Regional Director, Gujarat, NSS, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. These leaders engaged with young participants in capacity-building sessions, focusing on creating digital narratives for social change and developing strategies for increased youth participation.
Overall, the Youth Conclave 2024 highlighted the crucial role of the younger generation in shaping India's future. With a focus on digital skills, environmental stewardship, and active engagement in national development, the event reaffirmed the commitment of both the government and international organizations to harness the potential of youth for a prosperous and sustainable future.
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