‘It is your century,’ PM Modi tells the youth at festival inauguration in Hubballi

The National Youth Festival is being organised in collaboration with the Karnataka government.

Calling youths to strive towards nation-building, Modi said: “Yuva Shakti’s dreams decide India’s direction. Yuva Shakti’s aspirations decide India’s destination. Yuva Shakti’s passion decides India’s path.”

He added: “To harness the Yuva Shakti, we need to be young with our thoughts and efforts. To be young is to be dynamic in our efforts, to be panoramic in perspective, to be pragmatic. If the world looks to us for solutions it is because of the dedication of our Amrit generation (the youth).”

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Repeatedly invoking Swami Vivekananda, Modi said there was great optimism in the world towards India and its youth.

“India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, and the goal is to take it to the top three. This economic growth of the country will bring in a lot of opportunities for our youth,” stated the prime minister.

He added: “This is a special time in history. You are a special generation. You have a special mission. This is the mission of making an impact for India on the global scene.”

For every mission, a foundation is needed, whether it is for the economy or education, sports, start-ups, skill development, or digitalisation, he said, adding: “In every domain, a strong foundation has been laid in the last eight-nine years. The runway is ready for your take-off.”

‘This century belongs to India’

Noting that global voices are saying that this century belongs to India, Modi said: “It is your century, the century of India’s youth. There are global surveys saying the majority of the big investors want to invest in India. These investors want to invest in you.”

He added: “From toys to tourism, defence to digital, India is making headlines across the world. This is a historic time when optimism and opportunity are coming together,”

Modi also said, “Women are flying fighter jets today, and are getting inducted in combat roles in the Army. Whether it is science, technology, space, or sports, our daughters are reaching new heights.”

He added: “We have to make the 21st century India’s century. For that, we have to think 10 steps ahead of the present. Our approach should be futuristic.”

The prime minister went on to explain: “Our world is going to change, possibly before the end of this decade. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things would have evolved, and data science and cyber security would have become a much more intrinsic part of our life. So, our youth should be prepared with future skills.”

He added: “Initiatives like digital payments, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, and indigenous Covid-19 vaccines were made fun of. So, if the youth have new ideas, you may be ridiculed, but if you trust your idea, stick to it.”

PM begins speech in Kannada

While addressing the gathering, Modi began his speech in Kannada by paying respect to the prominent mutts, including the Siddharoodha Mutt of North Karnataka.

He also expressed condolence on the demise of Jnana Yogashrama pontiff Siddheshwara Swami. He recalled the works of the Swami in his speech.

Siddheshwara Swami passed away due to age-related ailments at Vijayapura on 2 January.

When the 82-year-old pontiff was ill, Modi had spoken with him over the phone and enquired about his health condition. He made an attempt to convince the pontiff to take medical aid for his health issues. However, the pontiff refused.

CM announces Swami Vivekananda Yojana

On the occasion of National Youth Day, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced the Swami Vivekananda Yojana during the inaugural ceremony of the youth festival in Hubballi.

He said: “In a bid to make the youth self-employed, the state government is implementing the Swami Vivekananda Yojana.”

He explained: “The new scheme has been named after Swami Vivekananda as he has been a source of inspiration for many youths. He was a great personality who preached meditation and knowledge to the youths.”

However, he did not provide detailed information about the new scheme.

Modi felicitated with cardamom garland

After the inaugural ceremony, Bommai and Union Minister for Coals and Mines Pralhad Joshi felicitated the prime minister with a garland made of cardamom.

Modi was also given a figurine of Swami Vivekananda and a Tricolour.

The national flag was manufactured at the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyuktha Sangha, located at Bengeri in Hubballi. It is the only authorised centre for the production of national flags in India.

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, Karnataka ministers S Narayangowda, Halappa Achar, Shankar Patil Munenakoppa, and other leaders of the party were present.

(With PTI inputs)