Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra, where he spoke at length about the long-term role youth can play in nation building and the importance of youth empowerment.
Stating that the mindset of the nation is young, PM Modi said, “We don’t have to overcome challenges now. We have to set challenges for ourselves.”
Soon after arriving in Nashik, Modi held a roadshow and visited the Kalaram temple on the banks of river Godavari in Panchavati area. He carried out cleanliness drives (cleanliness campaign) in the temple premises and participated in bhajans and kirtans in the temple for a while. Modi also paid floral tributes at the statues of Swami Vivekananda and Rajmata Jijou on their birth anniversaries.
Referring to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, PM Modi said India’s growth and ranking among the world’s top five economies was due to the power of youth. He also stressed that India is committed to achieving a $5 billion economy and emerging as a global manufacturing hub, playing a key role in combating climate change and organic natural agriculture in the promotion of.
“I consider you a lucky generation of history. India’s youth can achieve the long-term goal of taking India to the heights of glory,” PM Modi said. “India is the mother of democracy. Greater youth political participation will strengthen democracy. It will also help fight imperial politics,” he added.
During his visit, PM Modi also laid the platform for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by encouraging the youth to use their votes.
“Those who do not want to be actively involved in politics can exercise their right to serve. The decision to use elections is crucial in determining the fate of the country. Especially first time voters should register and ensure that the process is completed,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also issued a clarion call to the youth to take up cleanliness drive in all mosques and temples. “On the auspicious occasion of the dedication ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, I urge all temples across the country to carry out cleanliness drives,” he said.
Lord Rama spent a lot of time at Panchavati in Nashik, PM Modi said, highlighting the importance of the pilgrimage city.
PM Modi also spoke about the importance of Amrit Kaal. “The next 25 years are critical to your duties and responsibilities. It will contribute to the development of the community and the country.” He urged the youth to promote local products in India.
“You should stay away from drugs and raise your voice against abuse in the name of mother, sister, daughter or woman. Such evils must end in society,” PM Modi said.
“India’s effective capacity is our strength. The world is looking to India for its skilled energy,” he said, adding that the government’s travel agreements with France, Germany, UK, Italy and Australia benefit the youth.
PM Modi also expressed satisfaction over the response to the ‘My India’ portal launched 75 days ago. “Within a short period of time, 1.10 lakh people signed up to go,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, PM Modi described Maharashtra as the land of great saints, seers and social revolutionaries, and mentioned Rajmata Jijou, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji; Devi Ahilyabai Holkar; Ramabai Ambedkar and social reformers Mahatma Jyotibha Phule and Savitribai Phule.
