Highlighting the pivotal role of youth in shaping the vision of New India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the evolution of thought and approach as the key difference between the old Bharat and the new Bharat. Speaking at the 21st Convocation Ceremony of Tezpur University in Assam, Singh praised the receptiveness of today’s youth to new ideas and their creativity and ambition. He stated that the youth of the country are the creators of New India, which is based on a proactive Let us do approach rather than a passive Let it be attitude.
Singh credited the collaborative efforts of the government and the youth for the flourishing startup ecosystem in India, with over one lakh startups and more than 100 unicorns. He highlighted the promotion of a startup culture and innovation ecosystem to enhance the capabilities of young entrepreneurs. Noting the significant increase in India’s defense exports, Singh attributed this achievement to the strength and commitment of the country’s youth.
The Defense Minister also acknowledged India’s remarkable progress in sectors like education, health, and women empowerment. India’s GDP has grown from approximately USD 2 trillion in 2014 to USD 3.75 trillion, and the country has moved up from being among the top 10 economies to the top 5. Singh also proudly announced that India surpassed all other countries in UPI transactions in November, with over 1,100 crore transactions valued at Rs 17.50 lakh crore.
In his address, Singh emphasized the importance of character-building alongside academic studies, urging the youth to remain committed to their values. He referred to the book The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman and expressed his belief in maintaining a global perspective.
Tezpur University, situated near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-state border, is not only known for its academic excellence but also for its involvement in training Indian Army personnel in the Chinese language.
With the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New India is fostering a proactive and dynamic approach, with the youth at the forefront of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The government’s support for startups and innovation, coupled with the youth’s receptiveness to new ideas, has propelled India’s progress in various sectors. As the country continues to evolve, the collaborative efforts of the government and its young population hold the promise of a brighter and more prosperous future for New India.
