Opinion | International Youth Day

Recognizing youth as the heartbeat of progress, nurturing their ideas and values to inspire change, foster innovation, and build a bright future

The younger generation is the heartbeat of development, bringing new ideas, unlimited creativity, and the ability to break free from conventional ways. Young people around the globe are leading the way toward inclusive, innovative, and sustainable societies. Their dynamism is not only a strength for today but also the key to a better tomorrow. In science, in social work, in art, and in activism, their impact is transforming the manner in which the world thinks and acts.

Youth appreciation, therefore, is not merely about celebrating achievement but also about challenging societies to make space where they can flourish. It is about raising awareness of issues of concern, celebrating milestones, and offering counsel so that the future is bright and forthcoming.

Themes over the past few years have been focused on pressing matters such as climate action, innovation, intergenerational solidarity, and social inclusion. These are not mantras; they are the realities affecting both the current and future generations. Climate change, for example, will affect the youth the most directly, and that is why their leadership of the green revolution is that much more critical. An example is the young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who rallied millions of people globally through climate protests, demonstrating that even one obstinate voice can begin global movements. Similarly, in India, young green activist Licypriya Kangujam of Manipur has been protesting for urgent climate action since she was eight years old, addressing world leaders and advocating stronger environmental policies.

The contributions of youth can be observed in almost every aspect of life. In science and technology, young entrepreneurs are creating solutions that improve health, expand access to education, and save the earth. In arts and culture, young artists, authors, and musicians are breaking down stereotypes, embracing diversity, and filling voids. 22-year-old Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has already won various awards at international film festivals with her films. In social service, youth volunteers have spearheaded relief work during floods, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing food, medicines, and essentials to poor families.

As much as one is making these accomplishments, emotional well-being must also be nurtured. Teenagers have pressures, school demands, peer criticism, and personal uncertainties that are not necessarily apparent to other people.

In the recent past, in North Kashmir, two such incidents claimed the lives of school students, one of Class 11 and the other of Class 7. Life is precious and worthwhile, yet these young flowers were cut off at the bud. This is when we acknowledge the celebration is not enough we must guarantee that no youth feels isolated or unattended, or lost.

That is our collective responsibility as parents, educators, clergy, community elders, influencers, and all of humanity. We all have a stake in offering advice, safe spaces for conversation, and real care. For example, in Kerala some schools have established “well-being hours” every week where children can talk freely with mentors and counsellors about their thoughts and concerns. In several Rajasthan villages, the elderly create “evening chaupals” forums, where the youth discuss their issues and seek counsel without being judged. These small but powerful approaches establish a trust and kind environment.

When declaring days of youth, there should be clear follow-through. This could be in the form of skill development workshops, festivals celebrating diversity, community-initiated programs that facilitate teamwork, youth-led forums to stimulate leadership and discussion, etc. In Bengaluru, youngsters attend workshops where they learn programming, robotics, and app development so that they are better prepared for life. In Ladakh, youth-led annual cultural festivals promote traditional arts and facilitate inter-generational bonding. The opportunities these activities provide for youth to demonstrate their talent in a context of empathy, collaboration, and resilience.

Empowerment is more than providing opportunities, it is empowering young people to take control of their future. That means providing them with good quality education that supports curiosity and imagination, opportunities to develop practical skills, relationships with good role models, and opportunities to participate in good quality community service. Mentor programs such as Atal Innovation Mission in India pair students with professionals from the industries to mentor them in developing real-world projects. Availability of technology such as rural computer labs in Odisha opens up access to world knowledge and peer learning. Health awareness programs, particularly for mental health, offer the assurance that development is happening in an environment that respects body and mind.

In India, the young generation is one of the most dynamic and energetic sectors in society. They are conducting environmental movements to save rivers and forests, creating low-cost technology-based solutions for rural healthcare, and spreading peace and harmony through art, music, and sports. Programs like Skill India and Startup India have instilled confidence in youth to apply their creativity for entrepreneurship and innovation.

In Gujarat, some residential colonies have created “youth clubs”, and community volunteers have organized community environment campaigns, sports camps, and community blood donation camps. As well, communities underline the identification and recognition of youth accomplishments, big and small. When communities recognize and celebrate youth accomplishments, they send a very clear signal to youth: You matter, and what you do matters.

Investment in the young is investment in the future of the nation. Inclusion of the young in decision-making, nurturing of their creative imagination, and shaping of their humanitarian nature make the progress future-oriented and inclusive. If the young are trusted, they will be more likely to excel, coming up with new ideas and bringing new energy to tried problems.

To the future, our focus must be on creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance, to climate action, to technological innovation, and to social cohesion. Their capacity to change allows them to weather change, and their imagination allows them to develop useful yet visionary solutions. Most importantly, their empathy and commitment to justice must ensure that the speed of progress never sacrifices fairness or humanity.

The world of tomorrow will be moulded by the way we nurture and shape the leaders of tomorrow today. It is not a task for the era of a one-day convention; it is an ongoing task requiring the efforts of all walks of society. By being with our youth, hearing them out, and assisting them in realizing their potential, we not only guarantee their futures but also build the pillars on which our common tomorrow shall be built.

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