The youth play an integral role in shaping the future of a nation. As Padma Jaiswal IAS highlighted in a recent address, young people are not just the torchbearers but also the flag bearers of national progress. Their energy, innovation, and inquisitive nature make them a crucial demographic in driving sustainable development and solving pressing societal challenges.

Youth: The Backbone of National Growth

During the International Youth Day celebrations, Padma Jaiswal IAS stressed that the youth form the foundation upon which the future of the nation is built. She emphasized that young minds, filled with creativity and idealism, are essential for fostering innovation. According to Jaiswal, while the world is witnessing a decrease in youth population in developed countries, it is in developing and underdeveloped nations where youth presence is more dominant. However, a paradox exists: while these nations have a higher youth population, they often lack the capital and resources necessary for innovation and growth.

Bridging the Knowledge and Capital Gap

Padma Jaiswal IAS noted that despite the challenges faced by developing countries, youth in these regions are emerging as leaders in innovation. She cited examples from rural areas where young individuals, connected to nature, offer keen insights that rival those of developed nations. These innovative efforts, according to Jaiswal, demonstrate that talent and creativity are not limited by economic constraints.

Moreover, Jaiswal acknowledged the importance of digital platforms in amplifying the voices of youth. The integration of digital skills with sustainable development goals has empowered young people to address issues such as climate change, gender inequality, and environmental degradation. As Padma Jaiswal IAS highlighted, digital natives are leveraging technology to make a significant social impact, often using platforms like YouTube and social media to raise awareness.

Challenges Faced by Youth

However, Padma Jaiswal IAS did not shy away from addressing the challenges faced by the youth. She highlighted barriers such as limited access to technology, the rising menace of drug abuse, and the shortening attention spans caused by social media. Jaiswal called for the channeling of youth energy into constructive activities rather than destructive ones, urging society to guide young individuals towards positive engagement and meaningful contributions.

A key focus of Jaiswal’s address was the importance of emotional and social intelligence. She urged educational institutions to focus not only on technical skills but also on the development of soft skills, resilience, and the ability to make thoughtful, responsive decisions. According to Padma Jaiswal IAS, fostering emotional intelligence among youth is essential for creating future leaders who can think critically and adapt to challenges.

The Puducherry Perspective

As someone currently serving in Puducherry, Padma Jaiswal IAS reflected on the region’s performance in sustainable development goals. She pointed out that Puducherry has excelled in areas like education, hunger eradication, sanitation, and gender equality. However, she expressed concern over the low levels of economic activity and the region’s health indicators, which lag behind national averages.

Padma Jaiswal IAS called on the youth of Puducherry to take an active role in addressing these challenges. She encouraged them to engage in community outreach, using their problem-solving skills and critical thinking to tackle real-world issues such as healthcare access and economic development. By leveraging digital tools and fostering innovation, Jaiswal believes that the youth can drive positive change and propel Puducherry towards greater prosperity.

Conclusion

In her concluding remarks, Padma Jaiswal IAS reminded the audience of the immense potential within the youth. She emphasized the importance of collective action, stating that while individual success is important, the greater goal is to contribute to the nation’s progress. By recognizing and nurturing the talents of the youth, she believes that India can achieve its sustainable development goals and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.