Indian youth will make the country developed by 2047: PM Narendra Modi on ‘Viksit Bharat’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, emphasized that the immense capabilities and dynamism of India’s young population will play a pivotal role in the nation’s journey toward becoming a developed country. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, Modi expressed confidence that India’s youth will power its transformation into a global economic and strategic powerhouse.

Acknowledging that some may perceive the vision of a developed India as ambitious or challenging, Modi firmly stated that it is far from impossible. “No force in the world can stop India from becoming a developed country if the spirit of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) drives our every step, policy, and decision,” he declared, underlining the strength and potential of the country’s massive young population.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of setting bold and visionary goals for national advancement, saying, “Big targets are essential for a nation to move forward.” He noted that today’s India is achieving remarkable milestones across various sectors, often ahead of schedule. As an example, he highlighted the target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by 2030, which he affirmed will be achieved well before the deadline.

Modi emphasized that the responsibility for achieving this vision of a developed India is not solely the government’s. Addressing the young audience drawn from all corners of the country, he stated, “The ownership of ‘Viksit Bharat’ is not mine alone; it belongs to each of you. Your ideas, efforts, and enthusiasm will shape policies and determine the direction of the nation.” He called for active participation and collective effort from all citizens, emphasizing that ambitious national goals require collaboration at every level.

Citing historical examples, Modi pointed to the United States’ remarkable recovery and growth following its economic crisis in the 1930s, as well as Singapore’s transformation from a struggling region without basic amenities to a thriving global economic hub. These examples, he said, demonstrate the importance of setting high aspirations and working relentlessly to achieve them.

He also highlighted India’s recent achievements as evidence of its potential to overcome challenges and deliver on its promises. From becoming an open defecation-free country to manufacturing and administering COVID-19 vaccines on a massive scale, Modi said these accomplishments underscore the nation’s ability to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges with determination and innovation.

The Prime Minister described the period until 2047—India’s centenary of independence—as the nation’s “Amrit Kaal” (golden era). He expressed unwavering confidence that the youth will play a decisive role in realizing the dream of a “Viksit Bharat” during this transformative period. He described this time as an opportunity for a “quantum leap” in India’s development trajectory, urging young people to seize the moment with determination and passion.

Modi also reiterated India’s aspiration to host the Olympics within the next decade, noting that the government is working diligently to make this vision a reality. He emphasized that this goal reflects the country’s growing global confidence and capacity to undertake major initiatives.

Modi drew inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, whose birth anniversary is celebrated as National Youth Day, highlighting the spiritual leader’s belief in the transformative power of the youth. “Swami Vivekananda had immense faith in the young generation and their ability to solve problems. I share the same faith—absolute faith, or ‘blind faith,’ as I call it—in our youth,” he said.

The Prime Minister underscored the critical role of economic growth in achieving the nation’s development goals. He noted that India’s budget for infrastructure development has increased sixfold in the past decade, reflecting the government’s commitment to building a robust foundation for sustained growth. Modi reiterated that India is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy, projecting that the nation’s GDP will exceed USD 10 trillion by the next decade.

Modi concluded by urging young Indians to take ownership of the nation’s progress and actively participate in its development journey. “This is your time, your opportunity. You are the architects of India’s future,” he said, calling on the youth to channel their energy, creativity, and ideas toward achieving the vision of a developed India.

The event highlighted the central role of the youth in shaping India’s future, aligning with Swami Vivekananda’s timeless message of empowerment, self-reliance, and dedication to the betterment of society.