Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik on Friday, dedicating the event to Swami Vivekananda, an emblem of India’s dynamic youth power, whose birth anniversary is annually celebrated as National Youth Day.
During the inauguration, PM Modi paid homage to Rajmata Jijabai on her birth anniversary, recognizing her as a symbol of India’s women’s power and acknowledging Maharashtra’s rich legacy as the home of remarkable personalities.
Crediting India’s achievements in startups, patents, and its evolution into a major manufacturing hub, PM Modi attributed these milestones to the youth. He urged the younger generation to seize the unique moment of ‘Amrit Kaal’ and carry forward the legacy of visionary leaders such as M Visvesvaraya, Bhagat Singh, and Major Dhyan Chand.
Encouraging the youth to set new challenges, PM Modi outlined ambitious goals for making India a $5 trillion and the third-largest economy, emphasizing the need to address climate change.
Expressing satisfaction with the response to the MY-Bharat portal, PM Modi highlighted the government’s decade-long commitment to providing opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. He emphasized initiatives like the new education policy, PM Vishwakarma Yojna, and PM Kaushal Vikas Yojna.
Praising the historical richness of Maharashtra’s soil, PM Modi commended the state for nurturing iconic figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and Lokmanya Tilak. He paid homage to the greatness of the land, where Lord Shree Ram had spent time in Panchwati, Nashik.
As part of his day-long visit to Maharashtra, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over 30,500 crore rupees. This includes the inauguration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewari – Nhava Sheva Atal Setu in Mumbai, the longest sea bridge in the country, built at a cost of 17,840 crore rupees.
Referring to his visit to Shree Kalaram Temple earlier in the day, PM Modi reiterated the call for cleanliness campaigns in temples nationwide.
Highlighting the evolving ecosystem in sectors like drone technology, animation, and digital services, PM Modi applauded India’s progress in infrastructure, technology, and the success of missions like Chandrayaan 3 and INS Vikrant.
Emphasizing the importance of democracy, PM Modi urged youth participation to dilute dynasty politics. He encouraged first-time voters to infuse new energy into India’s democracy and emphasized their crucial role in the upcoming 25 years of ‘Amrit Kaal.’
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the youth of India will fulfill every responsibility with full devotion and ability. He stated, “The lamp that we have lit to realize the dream of a strong, capable, and competent India will become an immortal light and illuminate the world in this immortal age.”