Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, today called upon young Indians to harness their skills, creativity and innovative potential to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Addressing students and learners at an Institute in Noida, the Minister emphasised the importance of quality education, lifelong learning, skill development and entrepreneurship in preparing India's youth for emerging opportunities.

Highlighting the central role of youth in nation-building, Dr. Murugan reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of placing Yuva Shakti at the heart of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He emphasised that Viksit Bharat is not a distant vision but a future that today’s youth will help shape. He underscored the need for an ecosystem that connects education with skills, technology, research, entrepreneurship and employment.

Education Reforms for a Changing World

The Minister highlighted the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in making education more flexible, multidisciplinary and skill-oriented. He observed that in a rapidly changing world, learning must continue throughout life, enabling individuals to acquire new skills and qualifications at different stages of their careers.

Emphasising the importance of online education, Dr. Murugan called for accessible learning opportunities that accommodate diverse needs and circumstances, enabling learners to upgrade their skills and adapt to evolving professional requirements.

Democratising Access to Knowledge

Dr. Murugan highlighted the Government’s One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative as a significant step towards expanding access to quality academic research and global knowledge resources. He emphasised that access to quality research should not be constrained by institutional or geographical boundaries, stressing that “talent is everywhere, and opportunity must also be everywhere.”

Education, Skills and Employment Opportunities

Speaking about employment opportunities, the Minister highlighted the role of infrastructure development, manufacturing, services, entrepreneurship and skill development in generating jobs. Citing RBI-KLEMS data, he noted that India added approximately 17.1 crore jobs between 2014-15 and 2023-24.

He urged young people to look beyond degrees and equip themselves with practical skills, problem-solving abilities and confidence to meet the demands of a changing economy. He encouraged them to develop capabilities that would enable them to innovate and create employment opportunities for others.

Emerging Technologies and the Creative Economy

Dr. Murugan encouraged young people to explore opportunities at the intersection of technology and creativity, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, gaming, animation, visual effects, extended reality and digital content.

He called upon India's youth to move beyond being consumers of technology and content and strive to become creators for the world. Emphasising the importance of continuous learning and innovation, he encouraged students to develop the skills needed to participate in emerging technology-driven industries.

Constitutional Values and Responsible Citizenship

The Minister also drew attention to the importance of constitutional values in education and nation-building. Referring to the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution, he emphasised the need for young citizens to cultivate scientific temper, a spirit of inquiry and a commitment to excellence.

Concluding his address, Dr. Murugan urged young Indians to keep learning, keep creating and create opportunities for others. He emphasised that the country's progress towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047 would depend on the ability of its youth to acquire skills, innovate and contribute to a more prosperous nation.

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Mahesh Kumar/Vivek Vishwash