Mysuru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited India’s youth for driving the country’s rapid growth, innovation and global recognition across multiple sectors. Speaking after inaugurating the Viveka Smaraka – Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre at Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru, the Prime Minister said the nation’s progress is rooted in the energy, talent and aspirations of its young people.
Youth leading India’s transformation
Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s vision, Modi said education remains the strongest foundation for nation-building. He noted that while India’s youth lived under colonial rule during Vivekananda’s lifetime, today’s generation is shaping the country’s future through entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.
Highlighting India’s achievements, he said the country has emerged as the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem and the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. He also praised young innovators for developing digital solutions that are gaining global recognition and strengthening initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Modi stressed that the strength of young people can become the strength of the nation only when they receive the right opportunities, quality education and proper guidance.
Education and sports key to nation-building
The Prime Minister highlighted the expansion of India’s education sector over the past 12 years, stating that more than 650 universities, 14,000 colleges, 4,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), nine Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have been established. He added that the country now has around 1.4 lakh MBBS seats across 823 medical colleges, while the National Education Policy is preparing students for future challenges.
Emphasising the importance of sports, Modi said healthy, disciplined and confident youth are essential for a strong nation. He noted that initiatives such as Khelo India, the Youth Games, University Games, Para Games and Winter Games are helping identify sporting talent from villages and smaller towns across the country.
Congratulating Mysuru for consistently featuring among India’s cleanest cities, Modi also urged citizens to continue their commitment towards cleanliness while preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage.