Viksit Bharat / YUVA SHAKTI: India’s Greatest Asset in the 21st Century

Bhubaneswar, Sep 21: India today stands at a defining moment in its development journey. Alongside rapid economic growth, digital transformation and expanding global influence, one factor remains at the core of the country’s progress — its youth. With nearly 65% of the population below the age of 35 and a median age of 28 years, India is one of the youngest nations in the world. This demographic reality has placed the country in a unique position where its future growth depends heavily on how effectively it harnesses the energy of its young population, often described as “Yuva Shakti.”

Across cities, towns and villages, this energy is already visible in multiple forms. In urban India, young professionals are actively contributing to technology, finance, healthcare, education and governance. In rural and semi-urban regions, youth are increasingly engaging with digital tools, small enterprises, self-employment and community-based initiatives. This widespread participation shows that youth power is no longer limited to education or employment alone, but is becoming a driving force of social and economic change.

One of the most significant examples of youth contribution was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the healthcare system came under severe pressure, thousands of young volunteers stepped forward across states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Karnataka. They arranged oxygen supplies, distributed food packets, supported hospital services, managed helplines and assisted local administrations. Many worked through student networks, civil society organizations and informal community groups without financial expectation. This phase clearly demonstrated that Indian youth are capable of stepping up in times of national crisis and acting as a strong support system for society.

Another major reflection of Yuva Shakti is visible in India’s startup ecosystem. Over the past decade, India has witnessed the rise of more than 100 unicorn startups, many founded by young entrepreneurs in their twenties and thirties. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Pune and Chennai have become major innovation hubs, while smaller cities such as Indore, Jaipur, Surat and Bhubaneswar are also emerging as startup centres. These young founders are solving both urban and rural challenges through technology-driven solutions in fintech, edtech, logistics, agriculture and health services. Platforms such as food delivery apps, online education tools and fintech applications reflect how youth-led innovation is reshaping everyday life in India.

Alongside organic developments, the Government of India has introduced structured initiatives to channelize youth energy. One of the most important is MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat), a national platform designed to engage young people in volunteering, leadership development and nation-building activities. Through this initiative, youth are encouraged to participate in community service, grassroots development programmes, internships, skill-building activities and civic engagement. MY Bharat aims to bridge the gap between youth aspiration and national development needs by providing a structured ecosystem where young people can contribute directly to society while gaining leadership skills.

Parallel to entrepreneurship, the digital revolution has further amplified youth participation. With more than 800 million internet users, India is one of the largest connected populations in the world. A significant share of this user base is young, actively using digital platforms not just for communication and entertainment, but also for education, employment and business. Online learning platforms, freelancing opportunities and content creation ecosystems have enabled young people from both urban and rural backgrounds to access global opportunities. The widespread adoption of digital payment systems such as UPI has also been largely driven by youth, transforming India into one of the most digitally active economies globally.

Despite these success stories, India’s youth face real challenges. The gap between education and employability remains a major concern. While millions graduate every year, many lack practical skills required by industries such as data analysis, communication, technology and vocational trades. This mismatch often leads to underemployment or delayed entry into stable jobs. Mental health is another growing concern, with rising stress levels among students and professionals due to academic pressure, career uncertainty and social comparison. Counseling systems, mentorship networks and supportive environments are urgently needed.

India’s demographic advantage remains one of its strongest assets. Unlike countries such as Japan, Germany and Italy that face aging populations, India will continue to have a large working-age population for the next two to three decades. This “demographic dividend” can drive unprecedented economic growth, but only if youth are properly skilled, healthy and provided with meaningful opportunities.

To fully unlock the potential of Yuva Shakti, there is growing emphasis on shifting from degree-based education to skill-based learning. Practical training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, leadership and technical skills is becoming increasingly important. Initiatives that encourage youth participation in grassroots governance, community service and volunteerism are essential in building responsible leadership.

Ultimately, India’s youth are no longer just preparing for the future — they are actively shaping the present. From leading startups and supporting communities to driving digital transformation and participating in governance, their role is visible across every sector. If India invests in its youth through the right combination of education, skills, health and opportunity, Yuva Shakti will remain the country’s greatest asset and become the foundation of India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047.
(This article is written by Hrudananda Prusty, Author & Policy Professional)