“India’s vast youth population is not merely a demographic statistic; it is the nation’s greatest strength and a demographic dividend. If this youth power is harnessed correctly, India can become a ‘Vishwaguru’, otherwise, this massive population could become a burden in the future,” cautioned the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr Mohan Bhagwat, here on Saturday. Dr Bhagwat was addressing a massive gathering of youngsters on the subject ‘The Contribution of Youths to India’s Bright Future’ at the historic Kasturchand Park at an event organised by the Lokmat Media Group on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. Chairman of Lokmat Media Group and former member of the Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda and major Neeta Thakre were seated on the dais. Dr Bhagwat said, “As the nation enters its 80th year of independence, this is a moment for introspection.”

 

He urged the youths to accept responsibility for future of the next generation and the nation, rather than thinking solely about their own futures. Earlier, the RSS chief hoisted the national flag on a 200 feet tall mast at Kasturchand Park. “Some had predicted that India’s independence would not endure; however, numerous generations sacrificed their personal interests to work for the country, enabling us today to envision the future,” he said. “Rather than comparing itself to the US, China, Australia or New Zealand, India should determine its path of development based on its own culture, values and needs. The world is currently struggling due to a flawed perspective and, therefore, the responsibility of showing the way forward to the world lies with India,” Dr Bhagwat said.

 

To achieve this, the RSS Sarsanghchalak urged the country’s youths to prepare themselves by cultivating courage, a spirit of action, a willingness to make sacrifices and valour. “Employment does not merely mean securing a job. Entrepreneurship and business ventures involve risks, and the youth must possess the courage to face these risks and achieve success. Young people have the dare to dream big and the resolve to dedicate themselves fully to realising those dreams. Because they have witnessed less worldly struggles, they have more hope for their lives. They should sustain this spirit of adventure and channel it towards nation-building,” Dr Bhagwat said, appealing to the youths to take the initiative in upholding the nation’s prestige, security and pride. Assistant Vice-President of Lokmat Media Group, Mateen Khan anchored the event, while Lokmat (Nagpur) Editor Shrimant Mane proposed a vote of thanks. On the occasion of Independence Day, Dr Darda urged everyone to take a pledge of ‘Nation First, Society First.’