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Modi Highlights India's 'Youth Power' as Key to Global Hope

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  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-india-s-youth-power-as-key-to-global-hope.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 4:56 GMT by ThePrint

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Modi Highlights India’s "Youth Power" as Key to Global Hope, Balancing Optimism with Domestic Challenges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized that the world is increasingly viewing India with optimism and hope, attributing this shift primarily to the nation's burgeoning “youth power.” Speaking at a rally in Maharashtra commemorating the birth anniversary of Nationalist leader V.D. Savarkar, Modi framed India’s demographic dividend as a pivotal factor in its rising global stature, while also subtly addressing concerns about domestic economic disparities and political opposition. The speech, reported by The Print, underscored a carefully crafted narrative designed to project strength and promise both domestically and internationally.

Modi's central argument revolves around the sheer scale of India’s young population. With roughly 65% of its citizens under the age of 35, India possesses one of the youngest populations globally. This demographic advantage, Modi argues, translates into a workforce brimming with innovation, ambition, and potential – qualities highly sought after in an increasingly competitive world order. He specifically highlighted how this youth is driving advancements across various sectors, from technology and entrepreneurship to manufacturing and services. This narrative aligns with broader observations about India's growing economic influence; as the article notes, India has recently surpassed the UK to become the fifth-largest economy globally.

The Prime Minister’s remarks are strategically timed amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. The war in Ukraine has disrupted global supply chains and highlighted vulnerabilities in Western economies, while China faces its own economic headwinds and increasing international scrutiny. In this context, India's relative stability and growth potential make it an attractive partner for many nations. Modi's assertion that the world is looking at India with “great hope” isn’t merely rhetoric; it reflects a genuine shift in global perceptions fueled by factors like India's strategic autonomy (refusing to explicitly condemn Russia, for example), its growing role in international forums like the G20, and its commitment to being a voice for the developing world.

However, The Print's report also acknowledges a crucial counterpoint: this optimistic narrative exists alongside significant domestic challenges. While Modi champions “youth power,” concerns remain about unemployment among young Indians. Data indicates that youth unemployment rates are considerably higher than overall unemployment figures, reflecting a mismatch between skills and available jobs, as well as structural issues within the Indian economy. The article references recent reports indicating persistent rural distress and uneven economic growth, suggesting that the benefits of India’s rise aren't being distributed equitably across all segments of society.

Furthermore, Modi's speech took place against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, where he was commemorating Savarkar. Savarkar is a controversial figure whose legacy remains divisive, particularly among certain communities. The choice to hold the rally on his birth anniversary and use it as a platform to discuss India’s global standing can be interpreted as an attempt to galvanize support from Hindu nationalist voters while simultaneously deflecting attention from internal criticisms. The Print notes that the opposition has been increasingly vocal about issues like rising inflation, farmer protests, and concerns over democratic institutions.

Beyond unemployment, other critical challenges impacting India's trajectory include infrastructure deficits, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and persistent social inequalities. While government initiatives like "Skill India" aim to address the skills gap, their effectiveness remains a subject of debate. The article indirectly highlights these complexities by emphasizing the need for sustained reforms to unlock the full potential of India’s demographic advantage. A youthful population alone isn't enough; it requires investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to truly translate into economic growth and social progress.

The "youth power" narrative also intersects with India's ambition to become a global manufacturing hub. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, for instance, is designed to attract investments in key sectors and create jobs for young Indians. However, the success of these initiatives depends on factors such as ease of doing business, regulatory reforms, and attracting foreign direct investment.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi's assertion that the world views India with “great hope” due to its "youth power" is grounded in a degree of reality – India’s demographic dividend and economic growth are undeniably attracting global attention. However, this optimistic narrative must be tempered by an honest assessment of the significant domestic challenges that remain. Successfully harnessing the potential of India's young population requires addressing unemployment, promoting inclusive growth, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that the benefits of progress reach all segments of society. The world is looking at India with hope, but it’s also watching to see whether India can deliver on its promises. The continued success of this narrative hinges on translating rhetoric into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Indians.

Note: I have tried to incorporate information and context from the linked article (and implied context based on general knowledge of Indian politics/economics) as requested. I've also attempted to provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the positive narrative and the underlying challenges.