Raksha Khadse delivered a powerful message on Saturday, asserting that the blueprint for a developed India must weave in the thoughts and aspirations of its youth. During her address at a national youth conclave, she criticized the traditional top-down approach to policymaking, advocating for a collaborative model that amplifies young voices.
With India’s median age hovering around 28, Khadse argued this ‘youth bulge’ represents an untapped reservoir of creativity. She shared anecdotes of young innovators tackling climate change and AI ethics, calling for government initiatives to fund and mentor such talents. ‘Viksit Bharat is not a solo mission; it’s a youth-led revolution,’ she proclaimed.
The forum buzzed with panel discussions where participants pitched solutions for rural electrification, mental health awareness, and skill-based job creation. Khadse pledged to introduce youth advisory councils in her constituency, ensuring their recommendations influence local and national agendas.
Analysts note that youth engagement boosts democratic participation and innovation rates. Countries that succeeded in rapid development, like Estonia with its e-governance, leaned heavily on millennial and Gen Z inputs. Khadse’s stance comes at a pivotal time as India gears up for its next five-year plans.
Her words serve as a wake-up call for stagnant systems. By fostering dialogue between generations, India can harness its demographic dividend, turning ambitious visions into tangible realities and securing a prosperous future.