Nashik, Jan 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, on the occasion of National Youth Day emphasised the significance of India's youth power, which is leading the country's development in every field.

Inaugurating the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik today, the Prime Minister urged the youth of India to use local products and avoid drugs.

In his address PM Modi said, "From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the character and commitment of her youth."

The Prime Minister also praised the youth of India for their potential to create history and encouraged them to engage in activities that would be remembered by future generations.

"The youth have calibre to create history, do such work that the generation of that time in the next century will remember you," he said.

Expressing his confidence in the youth's ability to elevate the country, PM Modi highlighted India's achievements, positioning it as the world's fifth largest economy.

"I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts, your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made in India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," he said.

Recalling the epoch-defining contributions of personalities like M Visvesvaraya, Major Dhyan Chand, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Batukeshwar Dutt, Mahatma Phule and Savitri Bai Phule among others , the Prime Minister reminded the youth of their similar responsibilities during the 'Amrit Kaal'. He asked them to work to take the nation to new heights.

Highlighting the tradition of keeping Yuvashakti paramount, PM Modi, quoting Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, credited the youth power for India's entry into the top five economies of the world.

He also mentioned India being among the top three startup ecosystems, record number of patents, and becoming a major manufacturing hub as a manifestation of the youth power of the nation.

The Prime Minister said "I consider you the most fortunate generation in the history of India. I know the youth of India can achieve this goal".

(ANI)

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