Can Youth Lead India’s National Security Vision? Kiren Rijiju Speaks
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Youth are crucial for national security.
- Empowerment through education and technology is vital.
- Discipline and patriotism reflect the ethos of the Armed Forces.
- Economic growth showcases India's resilience.
- Planning for the future is essential to harness demographic dividends.
New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) - Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, addressed the Young Leaders Forum 2025 on National Unity Day at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, calling on India's youth to assume a crucial role in developing a secure and self-reliant nation.
Hosted by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, the event focused on the theme “Veer Yuva: Empowering Youth for India’s National Security and Development.”
This gathering united young leaders, NCC cadets, innovators, and defense personnel from across the country, serving as an introduction to the forthcoming Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025.
Rijiju was accompanied by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya.
He asserted that the youth play a vital role in achieving the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Rijiju noted that India's robust economic growth of over 7 percent reflects the nation's resilience and potential.
Paying homage to India's first home minister, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Major Bob Khathing, Rijiju encouraged the youth to embody discipline, patriotism, and physical fitness, traits synonymous with the Indian Armed Forces.
“India’s demographic dividend must be effectively harnessed to prevent it from becoming a burden,” he warned.
General Dwivedi echoed Rijiju's sentiments, highlighting the changing dynamics of warfare and the necessity for intellectual and technological readiness.
The forum emphasized the youth's role as both the architects and defenders of India's future.