While the 2014 election result was a step in the right direction, we must recognize the enormous challenges facing our country today. Even after more than 60 years of independence more than a fifth of Indians live in abject poverty, one third of the world’s malnourished children live in India, every fourth Indian is illiterate; in sports, we are nowhere near global powerhouses such as China, USA, Australia, etc despite having either equal or much greater population. These are all issues where young people like us can make a difference.

The youth of India should step forward to maintain the momentum that was generated during the elections and use it to rapidly transform our nation by addressing these various shortcomings. I have realised that just demanding for ‘youth empowerment’ is not sufficient. It is also the responsibility of the youth to seize opportunities and contribute towards the growth and progress of our nation. John F. Kennedy once famously said “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. It is time to take this phrase to heart.

I urge upon every young person to look around them, identify issues that are of pressing concern and take the lead in solving them through creative thinking and innovation. Areas such as entrepreneurship, education, health, sports and tourism are especially ripe for energetic interventions by youth. As young people and future leaders, we should remember that all our endeavours should be guided and informed by the highest moral and ethical principles in order to uphold the trust society has placed in us. Values such as honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability and compassion coupled with hard work and determination should underpin our work

I will be more than happy to extend my cooperation to initiatives by the youth directed towards transforming our society and nation. Never before in India’s history has there been such an upsurge of youth power! Never again is there likely to be such potential for economic progress and social transformation. Come! Let us join hands to better everyone’s life and make India a global superpower!