“The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.”
These timeless words by Winston Churchill resonate deeply with the potential of our youth, who are not just the architects of Viksit Bharat 2047 but the driving force of transformation today.
On November 16, 2024, I had the honor of participating in a Global Convention and Business Conference at the University of Westminster, London, graciously hosted by the Institute of Directors, India. Being invited there as a keynote speaker amongst many other dignitaries from various industrial and academic sectors gave me a chance to represent my beloved country and discuss some of the most important issues of nation-building. I also got the chance to present my views on the theme “Board’s Strategy on Sustainable Practices for Healthy Living and Inclusive Growth” in the panel discussion where I talked about the aspects of national building such as empowerment of youth, healthy lifestyles, and inclusive growth.
These are the basic elements and we often forget about them in the long run. As a civil servant, I feel it is my duty to guide the youth towards a more inclusive and empowering future. In this blog, I will share the key points and highlights of my time at the University of Westminster, London.
Empowering Youth: A Vision for a Better Future
Youth empowerment is the first step towards paving the way for a prosperous and inclusive future. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." This thought embodies the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a future where the energy, innovation, and resilience of India’s youth propel the nation toward inclusive growth, equitable progress, and a landscape brimming with opportunities for all.
A key pillar of this vision is education and skill development. Initiatives such as the Skill India Mission, which aims to reskill over 400 million people by 2025 through its ambitious programs, further demonstrate how education can transform lives. Programs like PMKVY are geared toward making Indian youth employable. Technology that advances in AI is reshaping the way we perceive education and our approach to employment, from AI-enabled tools to digital learning platforms. But this advancement comes with a cost; hence young minds must understand that while being competitive, innovations must also have their roots in authenticity and originality.
Confidence and self-belief are equally critical. Leadership is no longer about holding a title—it’s about taking meaningful action. It really means instilling the power of leadership in youth, either locally within communities or on the global platform, towards the creation of change-making on a sustainable basis. Resilience takes the lion's share. The road to a better future seldom runs into trouble-free highways, but it is through perseverance and hardiness that obstacles are turned into stepping stones toward goals.
Viksit Bharat @2047: The Role of Youth
India stands at the threshold of what Hbl. PM Sir calls an Amrit Kaal—a pivotal period of growth and transformation. As the nation envisions achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the active participation of its youth will be critical in driving this transformative journey forward.
The Role of Educational Institutions
Educational institutions play a very critical role in the course of shaping the future wherein they train and direct young minds toward their real potential. By organizing targeted campaigns, creating leadership opportunities, and fostering innovative initiatives, these institutions can unify diverse talents toward the shared vision of a developed India. They are beyond academics, entirely being everything that youth must have as fuel to face a fast-changing world.
Be the Change: Empowering Lives Through Education and Action
There’s a very motivating and inspiring quote from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun”, it reminds me that we need to keep trying the best of our efforts to achieve the ultimate goal. For anyone seeking motivation to overcome challenges, pursue dreams, and build resilience, my book Nation Calling serves as an inspiring guide to unlocking potential. It reflects my belief that every young person can thrive with the right support and opportunities. Growing up in Haryana, I experienced firsthand the challenges of gender disparity—a reality that shaped my commitment to creating avenues for empowerment.
As a civil servant, I’ve been privileged to contribute to transformative initiatives. During my tenure as SDM Ambassa, Tripura, I introduced all-women polling stations for urban local body elections, instilling confidence and encouraging greater participation among women. Later, as DM & Collector of Gomati District, I launched Project Nandini under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, focusing on the welfare of the girl child. This initiative, recognized as a best practice on Civil Services Day 2016, demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration in driving sustainable change.
It is necessary to give a push to the policies and initiatives that promote empowerment among youth. We need to look after our society and start acting for the change we wish to see.
Educational institutions and skill development programs are crucial in shaping such initiatives. By fostering leadership, promoting inclusivity, and equipping students with life skills, these platforms can prepare individuals to tackle societal challenges. Each of us can play a role in this journey—whether by mentoring, supporting education campaigns, or advocating for skill-building opportunities.
Prime Minister’s Skill Development Mantra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-point mantra—Skill, Reskill, Upskill—serves as a strategic framework for unlocking India’s demographic dividend. By emphasizing continuous learning and adaptation, this approach ensures that India’s youth remain competitive in a dynamic global landscape. This vision underscores the importance of aligning individual growth with national priorities, fostering a workforce that can lead India into an era of unparalleled progress.
Technology—particularly AI—continues to redefine our world to new and extended boundaries. Ethical innovation holds the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our society. By leveraging these advancements thoughtfully, India’s youth can lead the way in creating meaningful social impact and driving sustainable progress.
From India to the World: Launch of ‘Nation Calling’ in London to Ignite Young Minds Globally
Building on the theme of skill development and resilience, I was honored to have my book, Nation Calling: A Holistic Approach to UPSC Civil Services Examinations, launched at the University of Westminster. This book serves as a guide for aspirants navigating one of India’s most rigorous examinations, offering strategies that blend discipline, adaptability, and a holistic perspective.
The launch event was honored by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster; Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas, President of the Institute of Management Services; Mr. Sailesh IAS (Retd.), former Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs; Mr. Manoj K. Raut, CEO of the Institute of Directors, India; and Mr. Desh Deepak Verma IAS (Retd.), former Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha.
Their collective wisdom and experiences underscored the pivotal role of lifelong learning and strategic preparation in attaining both personal and professional excellence.
This book underscores the transformative power of a focused yet balanced approach, not just for UPSC aspirants but for anyone aiming to turn challenges into opportunities. I hope that Nation Calling inspires young minds worldwide to rise as global leaders, aligning their aspirations with the greater goal of nation-building, and contributing meaningfully to global peace and progress.
Empowered Minds, Healthy Lives
University life often brings with it the dual challenge of academic pressures and personal well-being. The critical role of maintaining a healthy balance between mental and physical health becomes a necessity in a student’s life.
Practical Steps for Holistic Well-being
To empower students to thrive, some actionable tips that can easily be integrated into daily life that I personally followed during my student life are:
Engage in regular physical activity and practice mindfulness to stay grounded.
Limit screen time and prioritize a balanced diet to maintain energy and focus.
Ensure adequate sleep to recharge both mind and body for peak performance.
Initiatives like the Fit India Movement remind us of the transformative power of healthy lifestyle choices, which directly impact productivity, creativity, and emotional resilience.
Inclusive Growth: The Key to Equitable Development
Inclusive growth is not just a national goal; it is a mission that every student can contribute to. It ensures that the benefits of progress reach everyone, creating a society where opportunities are accessible to all. For students, understanding and advocating for inclusive growth is a step toward building a future where fairness and equity prevail.
Opportunities for Quality Education and Skill Development
Students are at the heart of initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, which have made quality education a reality for millions of children across India. Programs such as the Skill India Mission go further, equipping young minds with tools and training to tackle real-world challenges.
Advocating for Equal Access
Students have the power to be champions of equal access to education and healthcare. By raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in these sectors, you can help bridge gaps and ensure that no one is left behind. Technology and innovation, particularly in IT and green tech, are creating new opportunities to make healthcare more accessible, and students can play a role by supporting or driving these advancements.
Promoting Gender Equality
Gender equality starts in classrooms and campuses. In India, programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have created avenues for girls to thrive, but students can amplify this impact by fostering inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of gender, feels empowered to succeed. Peer support, inclusive clubs, and initiatives can transform this vision into a lived reality.
Creating Sustainable Impact
Through initiatives like MGNREGA, which provides livelihoods to marginalized communities, students can draw inspiration to participate in social outreach programs or research sustainable solutions for inclusive development. Volunteering, organizing awareness drives, or interning with organizations working toward inclusive growth are ways students can contribute meaningfully.
By embracing the principles of inclusive growth, students can become catalysts for change. Whether through education, advocacy, or action, your efforts will help India move closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047—a nation where everyone has an equal chance to grow, succeed, and thrive.
Leadership, Diversity, and Resilience
Leadership is more than a title; it is about taking initiative, solving problems, and inspiring others to act. Equally vital is embracing diversity—whether cultural, social, or professional—as it fosters collaboration, innovation, and a deeper understanding of shared challenges. Alongside these qualities, resilience plays a crucial role, equipping young minds to adapt, persevere, and rise stronger after setbacks.
Practical strategies for building resilience, emphasizing its importance in personal growth and leadership:
1. Acknowledge and embrace setbacks as learning opportunities.
2. Analyze failures, adapt, and improvise.
3. View failures as tools for self-improvement.
4. Set meaningful goals aligned with societal impact.
5. Persevere and remain determined in the face of challenges.
6. Overcome procrastination with effective time management.
7. Cultivate strong values and character.
8. Foster positive self-belief to stay motivated.
9. Compete with originality while maintaining authenticity.
A Shared Journey of Learning
The interactive Q&A session at the University was a powerful reminder of the curiosity and passion that drives today’s youth. As I addressed their thoughtful questions, we explored important topics together:
Mental Health Matters: Prioritizing self-awareness, building support systems, seeking professional help, and incorporating wellness practices can help young minds stay resilient in a demanding world.
Scaling Grassroots Projects: Community involvement, leveraging technology, fostering public-private partnerships, and adapting successful models are key to creating a wider impact.
Harnessing Social Media: Balanced usage, critical thinking, and promoting positivity can transform social media into a tool for empowerment and meaningful change.
For me, the session reaffirmed the importance of engaging with young minds and listening to their concerns. It was a humbling experience to see their eagerness to contribute to a better future. These conversations inspire me to continue fostering dialogue, sharing experiences, and working toward empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
The Road Ahead: Empowering the Future Together
As Lao Tzu aptly said, “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Youth empowerment is not a destination but an ongoing journey requiring the collective efforts of governments, institutions, and individuals. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, innovation, and resilience, we can equip young people to shape an equitable and sustainable future.
Never underestimate your potential to create meaningful change. With courage, curiosity, and compassion, you hold the power to lead India toward a brighter tomorrow.
This experience at the University of Westminster will remain close to my heart as a reminder of the incredible energy and potential our youth possess. Engage with young minds, exchange ideas, and work collectively toward a future where leadership, diversity, and resilience define the journey of Viksit Bharat @2047.
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