The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Highlighting the expanding opportunities available across sectors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed strong faith in the capabilities and confidence of Gen Z, urging young people to contribute to nation-building through hard work, discipline and dedication towards the goal of a Viksit Bharat.
Addressing a national programme on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas, the Prime Minister encouraged the youth to take on big challenges without being constrained by age.
“Many young people associated with the organisation are present here. In a way, all of you are Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Your generation will take India towards becoming a developed nation. I see your capabilities and confidence, and that is why I have great faith in you. Age does not decide who is small or big; your deeds and achievements do,” PM Modi said.
He advised young people to avoid distractions such as short-term popularity and instead draw inspiration from great personalities who dedicated their lives to nation-building.
“You must remain focused and not get caught in the glitz and glamour of temporary fame. Learn from the ideals and great figures of our country. Your success should not remain limited to yourself; it should become the success of the nation,” he added.
Referring to changes brought about under the NDA-led government, PM Modi said the atmosphere of despair and hopelessness that once prevailed had been replaced by optimism and opportunity.
“There was a time when young people hesitated even to dream. Old systems created an environment of hopelessness. Today, the country identifies talent and gives it a platform. The strength of 1.4 billion Indians stands behind the dreams of the youth,” he said.
He highlighted initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and Khelo India, noting that access to the internet, learning resources, innovation ecosystems and sports infrastructure has empowered young Indians to excel in diverse fields.
Drawing inspiration from the courage of the Sahibzadas, the Prime Minister urged the youth to remain steadfast and confident.
“The Sahibzadas did not worry about how difficult the path was; they only cared whether the path was right. That is the spirit India’s youth must adopt—dream big, work hard, and never lose confidence. India’s future will be bright only when its children and youth are empowered,” he said.
He also spoke about initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, which promote innovation, robotics, AI, sustainability and design thinking among school students, and noted that the National Education Policy’s emphasis on education in the mother tongue has made learning more accessible.
PM Modi announced on January 9, 2022, that December 26 would be observed as Veer Baal Diwas to honour the martyrdom of the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
On December 26, 1704, Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were executed on the orders of Wazir Khan, the Nawab of Sirhind, for refusing to renounce their faith during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The elder sons, Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, attained martyrdom while fighting bravely in the Battle of Chamkaur.
