NT Reporter
Panaji
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the strength of India lies in its youth and that their participation is central to achieving the goal of a developed nation and that young people have payed key roles at critical moments in the country’s history.
He was addressing a conference at Goa University organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) and the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
“When we look at the pages of history, whenever the country needed transformation, new direction, or fresh ideas, Indian youth have always delivered,” he said, speaking on the theme ‘Role of Youth in Democracy and Nation Building’, drawing parallels with India’s freedom struggle
and Goa’s liberation movement. Youth, he added, have consistently demonstrated the ability to respond to challenges and contribute to change.
Birla said Indian youth are contributing globally across sectors. “Whether through professional courses or different fields of education, Indian youth are contributing substantially to economic, social, and policy-making frameworks in countries worldwide,” he said.
He called for active participation of youth in democratic processes saying it is necessary for effective policy-making and achieving development goals by 2047. “Democracy is not just about post-independence governance; it has always been part of our thinking and methodology,” he said, and urged students to engage in legislative processes rather than remain distant from politics.
On innovations by young people, addressing national and global challenges, he said that when he visits university campuses, he witnesses the capability for new advancements and research that is solving not just India’s challenges, but global challenges too.“Startups created by youth have helped simplify daily life,” said Birla.
He said participation in politics is essential for governance. “When we
know that governance in democracy runs through elected people, without
our participation, we
cannot do justice to the country,” he said. He said greater participation would improve transparency and accountability.
Stating that women’s participation is increasing, he cited recent IPS and IAS batches with 42% and 46% women, respectively. He said this is linked to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and the need for representation in legislative institutions.
Speaking on Goa, Birla said the state reflects diversity and cultural coexistence. “Goa may be a small state in the country, but the peace of Goa’s sea, its vitality, the energy of its rising sun, and its natural beauty inspire us all in life,” he said, also noting that Goa offers a conducive environment for education and training.
He said he is confident about the capabilities of Goa’s youth and encouraged them to work towards their goals.
