New Delhi: This Independence Day put ‘Yuva Shakti’ in focus, with a generation increasingly making its presence felt not just in classrooms and workplaces, but in public life.For 18-year-old Keshav Kumar from Bihar, the next chapter belongs to his generation. Having been an NCC cadet in school, he sees education as the foundation for young people to contribute more meaningfully to the country. “It is our responsibility, but we also need support from govt. With a little help and support, this generation can contribute much more to the nation’s development,” he said, stressing the need for a stronger education system.Soumya believes India’s youth already possess the knowledge and ability to play a larger role. The challenge, she said, is to turn that potential into meaningful contribution. “Rather than taking our skills abroad, young people could use them to strengthen the country from within.” If more youths make that choice, she feels, India could achieve its development goals well before 2047.But nation-building, youngsters argue, is not limited to skills, jobs or economic growth. For Ishan, who returned to the Independence Day celebrations after several years, the meaning of freedom is also tied to the right to question. Too young to understand the significance of the ceremony during his earlier visit, he now views accountability and dissent as essential parts of democracy. Having participated in a recent protest, he said, “The freedom won through immense sacrifice must include the freedom to express disagreement.” To him, questioning authority is a way of strengthening the nation.Sunil Kumar, representing an older generation, sees today’s youths from a different vantage point. The 45-year-old believes young people have a responsibility to bring in newer ideas and better systems, but need greater guidance and a deeper understanding of issues at the grassroots. “The youth are not politically indifferent. They may seem too focused on studies, work or other things, but they speak up when matters of national interest concern them,” he said.Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also placed young people at the centre of the country’s development agenda.
