Opinion | National Youth Day: Exploring The Power of Youth Leadership

Youth can be the leaders of tomorrow. The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. Youth leadership happens anytime a young person takes control, manages, directs and leads themselves and/or others. Within themselves, young people show leadership by identifying what matters to them and holding true to those things, including their values, objectives, goals and ideas. Throughout their lives, young people can lead by example, lead by following and lead through determination. Youth leadership can include actions that affect other youth, younger children and adults.

Youth constitutes major portion of the total national population. Around 25 percent population of the world is youth. Such a major portion of the population plays an important role in the development of the nation and cannot be ignored. The determination and energy with which youth can work makes them the most valuable and capable citizens of the nation.
Youths play an important role in progress and development of any nation as they constitute a majority portion of the total population of the country. The efforts of youth can help in rapid growth and development of thr nation. Youth are the building blocks in the economical and social development of a nation. Youths play a crucial role in national development. They are the vital resources worth investment by the nation as they are the most valued possessions for its progress and development. Well educated and trained youths contribute their skills in almost every sector in a developing economy. They give their services as engineers, doctors, administrators, teachers, lecturers, and in several other capacities. The energy level and confidence of youths make them take risk and achieve new heights in their respective domains. Youths in a nation, create a productive and efficient environment conducive to economical and social progress of the nation.

National Youth Day is observed on 12 August in India to spread awareness about the youth and draws attention to the issues faced by the youth. No doubt the day focuses on the efforts of the youth in the development of the country. It is also celebrated to recognise the efforts of the youth in enhancing global society and to draw attention regarding cultural and legal surrounding youngsters. Also, the day promotes ways to engage youngsters in making positive contributions to their communities. It is celebrated in honor of the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, who was an influential figure in India in the 19th century and a firm believer in the power of youth. Swami Vivekananda promoted philosophies and ideals that might be a great source of inspiration and for the youth of the country of India.

There is a necessity for the Youth to come together, engage in activities with diverse needs and interests, participate in the decision-making process, and freely express themselves. But for this youth need safe spaces like civic spaces which enable youth to engage in governance issues; public space to participate in sports and other leisure activities in the community; digital spaces to interact virtually across borders with everyone; well planned physical spaces that can help to accommodate the needs of youth, especially suffering from any kind of violence etc.
History is evident that the next generation has been the answer to solve future problems. As time passes by, it is required to adapt to the changes and bring a change in society. The Youth is capable of doing so; we can bring a change in society. The role of Youth in nation-building or development is very important, and this is because the development of any nation lies in the future generation. Democracy, economy, technology and the improvement of medical science all lie in the hands of the Youth. Youth is the most dynamic and important segment of the population in any country. Statistics show that the developing countries which have a huge youth population could be seeing tremendous growth in all the sectors of the countries provided they inc=vest in young people’s education, health and protect and guarantee their rights. It is believed that today’s young minds and tomorrow’s leaders, creators, builders, and innovators.

Statistics show that India has the upper hand over other countries as 62 % of the population is the Youth. Young minds are known to be innovative and hard-working that will help in the development of the country. Youth can change the country only if proper opportunities in the various fields are given to them. In our society, we have been guided to pursue careers in either engineering or medical science. This could be because of the pressure from the family or the trend in society. This has become a major cause for the downfall of the Youth. A statistical report suggests that about 55% of engineering Youth are unemployed because they don’t have the required skills to crack a job. The Youth can change society if they consider pursuing a career in different fields like arts and politics. If proper opportunities are given to the Youth to represent their ideas in fields such as politics, then we can expect a drastic change in the country’s growth. Young minds should be motivated to take part in politics and occupy high positions such as education minister, finance minister, bureaucrats, and even the Prime minister.
Youth has the power to bring change. They have the power to demand justice.Youth the ultimate power of the country, and educational programs should be developed that aims to teach the young people from the school level the importance and the impact they can have on the country. They should be taught about how the country works and how it can be a significant part of the development of the country. Youth should be motivated to consider different career options such as politics, which eventually helps in running the country.  They can be a positive influence in society and can also solve the problem by introducing innovative and impactful ideas that will only help in the betterment of the country. They have the ability to create an identity for themselves, which will help in creating an impact. All the youth needs is the support of their family and friends, and I can assure you that they can make our country great.
Our youth has the power to build a nation so we must give them the opportunity. They are the future and they have the perspective which the older generations lack. Their zeal and enthusiasm must be channelized properly to help a nation prosper and flourish. The power of youth should be used wisely for the progress of our nation. It is important to frame policies which aim at empowering our youths to assure better tomorrow and brighter future. Young people are full of ideas and have infinite source of energy to put their ideas into practice. They have strong opinions and do not fear voicing them. Youths are up to date with current happenings and latest technology. So, it well suited for various jobs. Youths today are ready to take risks, face challenges and try hard to achieve their goals. They believe in themselves and their abilities to turn their passion into profession which makes them more successful.
Youths want the nation to be a better place. They can criticize the system of the nation as well as stand up to bring about changes towards making the society a better place. Youths are strong enough to fight for their own rights and for the rights of others as well. They never fear to support the right and raise voice against the wrong. Youths can fight against social evils – be it corruption, inequality or terrorism. They use social media and other platforms to raise voice against issues such as gender inequality, sexual harassment, religious issues, etc. They don’t blindly accept the notions that are unfair or inhuman.
To ensure participation of the youths in national development, they need to be encouraged and supported by their parents, civil society and government. Providing quality education, employment opportunities and empowerment to the youths are key factors in achieving progress and development of the nation. It is important that the youth gets to exercise their freedom of speech, ideas and opinions. They should get the right platform to voice their opinions, share their ideas and showcase their talent. There is a need for inclusive support mechanisms for youth so that they can amplify their efforts collectively and individually to restore the planet and protect on it.
“The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified, and God will be in them.”………………..Swami Vivekananda
“There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is brought to bear on one point.” ~ Swami Vivekananda

(Writer M Ahmad is a regular writer for this newspaper and can be reached at specialachivers78@gmail.com)