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From nurturing future leaders to fostering sustainable practices, India’s youth are driving transformative change across diverse fields
National Youth Day is celebrated annually on Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Youth Day, celebrated on January 12, marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a visionary who believed in the transformative power of young minds. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the potential of youth to inspire change, innovate solutions, and build a better tomorrow. Even, PM Modi emphasizes the crucial role of youth in nation-building, urging their active participation in leadership, politics, and development. Initiatives like “Mera Yuva Bharat” and “Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025″ aim to empower young leaders to shape India’s future.
From Hope to Action: Young Champions Shaping India’s Water and Sanitation Legacy
This year, as we honor their spirit, we turn our focus to the unsung heroes of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission which exemplifies a transformative approach to water and sanitation, fostering a healthier, more sustainable, and empowered rural India. With 80% national coverage achieved, the mission’s success is a testament to the power of collective action led by youth and women across the nation.
The spirit of youth-led transformation is equally vibrant in Uttar Pradesh. In districts like Chitrakoot and Banda, the Jal Gyan Yatra and Jal Utsav campaigns have turned schools into centers of learning and action for water conservation. Over 10,000 students participated, gaining hands-on knowledge about water treatment, conservation, and quality testing. These initiatives fostered a sense of responsibility among the youth, inspiring them to take their learnings back to their families and communities.
Students from Banda became passionate advocates for reducing water wastage after learning about the effort involved in purifying polluted water. Others, like those from Chitrakoot, took it a step further by educating their peers and families on the journey of water from its source to the household. Symbolic activities like tying sacred threads around water sources during Jal Utsav deepened the emotional connection to water, making conservation a shared cultural responsibility.
Similarly in Telangana, to break menstrual taboos and promote sustainable hygiene, Siddipet district in Telangana launched ‘Ruthu Prema’ (Love Your Periods). The initiative, aimed at empowering rural women and adolescent girls, advocates for menstrual health education, eco-friendly practices, and the use of reusable menstrual products like cups and cloth pads. By addressing cultural stigmas and encouraging hygienic practices, Ruthu Prema fosters health, confidence, and environmental sustainability, empowering young women to embrace their growth with dignity and pride.
Transforming Lives Through Football
In the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan, the Zinc Football Academy (ZFA) is helping nurture talent: Recognized with an Elite 3-star rating by the All-India Football Federation, ZFA’s achievements include producing talents like Mohammed Kaif, the first Rajasthani player in 40 years to represent India internationally. Since his debut at the 2023 SAFF U-16 Championship in Bhutan, defender Mohammed Kaif has emerged as a standout talent on the international football stage. He played a key role in India’s victorious campaign, captaining the team in the opening match against Bangladesh and contributing significantly throughout the tournament. His memorable header in the semi-final against Maldives was pivotal in securing India’s path to the championship victory.
Kaif’s football journey began in 2018 when he joined ZFA at just 10 years old. During a 2-month Zinc Football Scouting Camp in Chittorgarh, his exceptional skills caught the attention of the coaches, leading to a scholarship at the academy. This opportunity marked the beginning of his rise as a football star. Today, Kaif’s achievements shine a spotlight not only on his talent but also on the impact of ZFA in nurturing young athletes.
Skilling India’s Youth to Build a Future-Ready Workforce
India’s demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity, with 65% of the population under 35. However, many young individuals lack modern economic skills, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where limited access to education and training exacerbates the gap between aspirations and employability.
Recognizing the urgent need for transformative skilling initiatives, ITC has championed programmes to bridge this gap by fostering industry partnerships, creating sustainable skill-building avenues, and empowering unskilled and semi-skilled workers. These efforts aim to enhance employability, secure livelihoods, and contribute to India’s socio-economic progress. To date, ITC has trained over 118,000 youth in market-relevant skills.
From nurturing future leaders to fostering sustainable practices, India’s youth are driving transformative change across diverse fields. Their unwavering spirit and commitment serve as a beacon of hope, paving the way for a brighter, empowered, and inclusive future.
