Varanasi: Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday underscored the vital role of young people in building a developed India, urging them to channel their energy, creativity and social media presence towards the national interest.
Mandaviya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. To achieve this, he said, all 140 crore citizens must move forward with collective resolve.
He said a drug-free India is essential for achieving the goal of a developed nation and encouraged youth to join the MY Bharat campaign to spread awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. Speakers said social media can play an important role in spreading awareness, responsibility and positive change in society. The conference, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was held on the theme “Youth for Viksit Bharat. Uttar Pradesh sports minister Girish Chandra Yadav, cricketer Dhruv Jurel, film director Vishal Chaturvedi and several other prominent personalities attended the event. Youth leaders, sportspersons, content creators and achievers from various fields were honoured during the programme. The Union minister appreciated the use of street plays, folk arts and other creative platforms to raise awareness about drug de-addiction. Content creators present at the conference were encouraged to develop meaningful content on social issues, youth development, drug de-addiction and nation-building. He added that it is necessary to give up the colonial mindset, take pride in India’s heritage and perform one’s duties with sincerity. The programme aimed to encourage youth talent, inspire young people toward leadership and social responsibility, and ensure their active participation in building a developed India.
Jurel said that, like most middle-class families, his parents hoped he would secure a good government job and settle down in life. His family had similar expectations, but his heart was set on cricket. Passionate about the sport from a young age, he repeatedly sought his parents’ permission to pursue cricket as a career.