Prominent leader Raksha Khadse made headlines by declaring that excluding youth ideas from India’s development agenda would doom the Viksit Bharat vision to failure. At a vibrant youth summit in the heart of the city, she painted a picture of a nation transformed by the energy and ingenuity of its younger generation.
Khadse delved into specifics, citing the need for youth involvement in areas like renewable energy transitions and space exploration. ‘The youth see challenges as opportunities; their ideas can leapfrog us past outdated models,’ she said, referencing successful startups born from college dorms.
Hundreds of attendees, from engineering grads to social entrepreneurs, presented prototypes and policy briefs. Khadse engaged directly, promising to lobby for youth quotas in planning committees and increased R&D funding for under-30 innovators.
Data underscores her point: Nations prioritizing youth in governance, such as Rwanda in its post-conflict rebuild, achieved remarkable growth trajectories. In India, with unemployment concerns looming, Khadse’s focus on empowerment could bridge the skills gap effectively.
Concluding on an optimistic note, she envisioned a 2047 India where youth-led initiatives define progress. This isn’t mere rhetoric; it’s a strategic imperative for sustainable development, urging immediate action to include the voices shaping tomorrow.