Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the world looks towards India with hope and confidence because both its people and its thoughts are young. He said India’s capability and its dreams are also young. Speaking after inaugurating the 25th National Youth Festival in Puducherry via video conferencing, Mr. Modi said the Democratic dividend of India’s youth is unparalleled as along with Demographic dividend the youth of India also has democratic values.
Briefing media about National Youth Festival, Secretary, Youth Affairs, Usha Sharma said that the Festival aims to shape the minds of India’s youth and transform them into a united force for nation-building. In view of the emerging COVID situation, the two-day Festival has been scheduled to be held virtually. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the National Youth Summit. During the summit, the youth will get an opportunity to express their views on current issues like Environment, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, National Character and Nation-Building among others.
Along with the Youth Festival, Prime Minister also inaugurated the Kamarajar Mani Mandapam constructed here at the cost of 23 crores.PM also dedicated, the MSME Technology Centre, in Puducherry Technological University set up at the cost of 122 crore rupees to the Nation. Prior to the inauguration, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur addressed the audience and followed by the address of Puducherry Chief Minister Rangaswamy. The 12th of January is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and is observed as National Youth Day every year.