Youth is a golden phase of one's life - the period where one is no longer a child but yet to turn out a grown-up. It is an age recognized by traits of heroism, toughness, stimulation, curiosity, judgmental attitude and much more. At this stage, even though driven by fantasy or freedom, and the power to choose his or her choices, all must be exercised cautiously.

The youth of a country counts as the most important asset that they can possess. The future of a nation lies in the hands of its posterity. The quality of its youth determines the kind of future, the nation will have. Therefore, if we want to ensure a bright future for our country, we first need to strengthen and empower our youth. The youth of any nation and society are its potential energy. They are the powerhouse and storehouse of infinite energy. They are the ones who are the pride of the nation. It is the youth who brings laurels to the country.

What is the role of youth in society?

The role of youth in society is not limited to taking up average responsibilities but is quite vast. The young generation is responsible for breaking orthodox beliefs and bringing change that is needed for the real progress of society.

Unlocking India’s Dynamic Growth Potential

India is the world's largest youth power. The median age of the total population of India is 28 years. This means that half of India's population is below 28 years of age at present, while the remaining half of the population is more than 28 years old. India is among the youngest countries in the world. While countries like China and the US, which are much more developed and richer, are growing older faster than India. The median age of people in the US and China is 37 years. In Australia it is 39 years, 40 years in Russia and 42 years in Canada. People between the ages of 15 and 59 in any country are the wheel of that country's economy. These are the people who are in the work force, pay taxes and take care of children and the elderly. In the same situation, the number of workers in that country is more labour force. Many Indians have emigrated to foreign countries in search of job and livelihood. This has in turn made a global impact and image in every field. Popular figures include Sundar Pichai- CEO of Alphabet, Satya Nadella- CEO of Microsoft, Rishi Sunak- Prime mister of UK, Kamla Harris- Vice-President of USA, Salman Rushdie-Indo-British novelist ,etc. The increase in the number of workers increases the savings of that country. Increased savings increase investment and increased investment creates new economic opportunities. And these economic opportunities pro mote industrialization.

Youth: The Voice of Nation

Youth voice is important because it can help young people have a positive impact on their communities and give them a sense of ownership. Youth voice in activism can be instrumental in driving social change. For example, young people have demanded jobs, an end to conflicts, and quality education. Here's a story to help us comprehend this phrase-

A group of girls were on a 4-day excursion to Kolkata. On the second night shortly after having dinner, a girl felt unconscious and fainted with her mouth full of foam. A teacher ran to her help while trying to bring her consciousness back. After a few minutes, when she made some movements, sir asked her who he was. She answered,"Manisa"(in odia-human). "Kejani!!"(in odia- don't know) When asked where she was, she answered, while making some strange abnormal gestures. She also mumbled some of her friends' names before closing her eyes . At 11, when she was finally conscious she was unable to recall anything that happened between 9-11. This seems like an average spirit possession story to a layman. However, it was later revealed that she was suffering from a mental illness which even she wasn't aware of- Epilepsy. Kudos to the teacher for his quick grasping and execution of the situation else her condition would have worsened. Even the girls need a raise for helping her out at times of crisis.

Had it been before or around 2000s, the situation would have been perceived in a negative way like a ghost attack since not many people were aware of mental disorders at that time and it was not fully acceptable. This difference shows how youth has developed and progressed through the years.

The Digital Youth: Catalysts for Social Change and India’s Success

In this digital age, the youth have unprecedented access to information and technology, granting them a unique advantage. Online platforms enable access to knowledge that was previously restricted to traditional schools. This accessibility allows young people to learn new skills, broaden their perspectives, and follow their hobbies.

Digital platforms have revolutionized collaboration and networking. This has fueled the youth to share ideas, connect, collaborate which in turn has resulted to critical & creative thinking skills, implementing solutions and cross- cultural understanding through social media platforms all around the world. The youth can leverage these connections to form companies, NGOs, partnerships and create a strong support network that enhances their personal and professional growth. The digital world empowers the youth to become influencers, thought leaders by amplifying their voices on a global scale.

Youth Power: Challenging Norms, Driving Collective Action, and Fostering Innovation

One of the biggest advantages that the youth possess is their willingness to challenge traditional norms and think outside the box. They bring a sense of dynamism and enthusiasm that can break through barriers and push boundaries. Whether it is in entrepreneurship, technology, education, or social activism, young Indians are stepping up to make a difference.

Furthermore, the youth demographic in India is large in numbers. This means that there is immense potential for collective action when it comes to addressing societal challenges such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and inclusive growth. By harnessing this collective power, they can create a ripple effect that has far-reaching consequences for the entire nation. In this rapidly changing global environment, entrepreneurship and innovation stand as the chief catalysts of economic expansion.

Benefits of youth power:

-Youth become Financially Independent

-It creates a Sense of Responsibility

-They are always in Search of Opportunities

-It gives rise to Creative Minds

What are the major challenges that the youth face in India?

The major challenges that the youth face in India are unemployment, mental health issues such as depression, not being passionate about their work, underpaid work and others.

Sadly, our youth is losing touch with a sense of right and wrong or good or bad. This is because, as a nation, we have failed in our duty to capture their energy and mould it in the right direction. Most of the youth of our country are today addicted to video games while others lack the proper mindset and attitude for a change or development. Due to increasing unemployment, we have been unable to keep them busy in constructive work. Some of them are ignorant or are aspiring for their personal goals. The result is that nothing inspires our youth except short cuts to make money.

Youth Empowerment

A society will be secured enough when our youth is empowered because an empowered youth will never give any harm to the society in which they are living. Youth empowerment creates a sense of responsibility and leadership skills in our youth due to which they can feel and identify the actual practical problems of the society from which many people are suffering. They no more wait for the high authorities to come and sort out the problem instead they take some practical steps to solve the problem on their own.

An empowered youth is always passionate and dedicated towards their work and their society and they always dare to do something big for the betterment of society. As it is said,

" Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others and uplift the society and nation".

Final Thoughts

Youth is the best medicine to cure the social diseases, like corruption, casteism, regionalism etc. It would be a great national wastage of human resources if these strong hands are not allocated some suitable jobs. The youth of India are the hope of the future. They are the ones who will make India a great nation. It is therefore important that we invest in the youth of India and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Here are some specific examples of how the youth of India are making a difference:

Zoe Kothari, 18

A member of UWC Adriatic, Kothari started her project aimed for disabled communities after a road accident left her with physical, neurological and psychological trauma. Through ZIAI, an AI bot she created, Kothari aims to build a resource for the differently-abled community by helping users apply for accessible jobs, create inclusive institutions, learn about laws that protect disabled citizens, and work with able-bodied individuals to make them better allies.

Neha Shivaji Naikwade, 27

One of India's few environment-oriented data scientists , Naikwade used her skill set to help launch over 140 green startups. She is a mechanical engineer by training and co-founder of Parvaah, a youth-cell that works toward zero-waste initiatives.

Licypriya Kangujam,12

This young girl from Manipur made a strong statement at COP'28 in Dubai demanding an end to fossil fuels.

Soumya Ranjan Biswal, 24

Actively involved in wildlife conservation activities with a focus on the protection of Olive Ridley Sea turtles, Biswal has organised and participated in almost 230 beach clean-ups till date.

'Youth power of India' -a boon or a bane?

"An empty mind is a devil's workshop". Hence this constructive power must be utilised while the iron is still hot ,for a better future, for a greater change.