As India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12, remembering the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, we really need to identify all the challenges that Indian youth face today and come together as a collective force to provide them with the right support and resources. With more than 65 per cent of the Indian population under the age of 35, the youth are not only future forces but also the current shaping powers of change, yet they encounter many obstacles, such as mental health issues, unemployment, substance abuse, and lack of guidance and mentorship.
According to a report by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), 1 in 5 college students suffer from depression with state-wise prevalence rates ranging from 24.6 per cent in Maharashtra to 18.4 per cent in Bihar. India’s unemployment rate among youth is a staggering 23 per cent, attributed to the lack of relevant skills and training, with state-wise unemployment rates ranging from 34.6 per cent in Haryana to 28.5 per cent in Rajasthan. The abuse of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs has reached epidemic proportions, with 40 per cent of students addicted to tobacco, and state-wise prevalence rates ranging from 55.6 per cent in Assam to 49.5 per cent in Tripura.
In order to overcome these problems, we need to offer our youth mental health support, vocational training and skill development, substance abuse prevention, and mentorship and guidance programs. While the government and various organisations have already implemented several initiatives, such as:
– The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) to promote mental health and prevent mental illnesses
– The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to provide vocational training and skill development
– The National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) to promote skill development and entrepreneurship
– The Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) to promote adolescent health and well-being
– The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship among youth
Evaluating the effectiveness of government programs for youth development in India is crucial to understand their impact. While the government has initiated various programs, such as the National Programme for Youth Adolescent Development (NPYAD) Scheme, Youth Club Development Programme, and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), their implementation and outcomes have been mixed.
Some programs have shown positive results, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which has provided vocational training to millions of youth. However, other programs have faced challenges in implementation, such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient awareness among the target population.
For instance, the NPYAD Scheme, which aims to promote adolescent health and development, has been criticized for its limited reach and inadequate funding. Similarly, the RKSK program, which focuses on adolescent health, has faced challenges in implementation due to lack of awareness and inadequate infrastructure.
To address these challenges, the government needs to invest more in these programs, improve infrastructure, and increase awareness among the target population. Additionally, regular monitoring and evaluation of these programs are necessary to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.Therefore, it is essential that we continue to invest in and expand these initiatives, while also exploring new and innovative solutions to support the holistic development of our youth.
As we celebrate National Youth Day, let us recommit to empowering India’s youth. By embracing Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, we can inspire young minds to become confident, educated, and socially responsible individuals. To achieve this, we can implement programs that reflect his ideals, including:
Educational Events and Seminars: Organize workshops, seminars, or webinars where young people can learn about Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and the importance of youth empowerment.
Cultural Programs: Host performances such as music, dance, or drama that reflect the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and the vitality of youth in shaping society.
Social Media Campaigns: Create social media posts, videos, and stories sharing inspiring quotes by Swami Vivekananda. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with young audiences.
Community Outreach Programs: Encourage youth to participate in activities like cleanliness drives, environmental awareness campaigns, and volunteering for local NGOs.
Youth Leadership Awards: Recognize young leaders in different fields—sports, academics, social work, and entrepreneurship—who are making a significant contribution to society.
Let us work together to groom India’s youth into capable and responsible leaders who will shape the country’s future. As we honour Swami Vivekananda’s legacy, let us remember his words, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” and may his philosophy inspire us to empower India’s youth and accelerate a brighter future for our nation.
The theme for National Youth Day 2025, “Youth Empowerment for Nation Building,” emphasizes the critical role of young people in shaping the future of India and encourages them to become active participants in national development. As we celebrate this day, let us pledge to follow the principles that Swami Vivekananda taught: to cultivate self-discipline, to focus on education, to be brave in the face of challenges, and to contribute to the betterment of society.
Let’s not wait for change; let’s be the change. Together, we can create a society that thrives on unity, progress, and love for our nation.
