Nagpur
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said the country’s youth constitute a major demographic dividend and could immensely benefit the nation if guided and utilised properly, but may become a burden on society if their potential is not harnessed effectively.
Addressing his second interaction with Gen Z in 10 days, Bhagwat said the present generation of youth would become old in about three decades and therefore, should think beyond their own interests and remain mindful of the requirements of future generations.
“The youth are a demographic dividend. We will benefit greatly if they are handled properly; otherwise, there will be a burden on society,” he said.
Bhagwat stressed that employment should not be viewed only in terms of conventional jobs, adding that people engaged in labour and other forms of work must also be given due dignity and respect.
He urged the youth to understand that Bharat has its own distinct identity and circumstances and should not blindly follow the development models of countries such as the US, Australia, China, New Zealand and Canada.
“We are Bharat and it has its pride, dignity and supreme honour. We need to decide for ourselves the kind of development we want and the yardsticks by which progress should be measured,” he said.
The RSS chief said Bharat has a responsibility to present the world with a balanced vision for the future and develop a thought process suited to its own conditions.
“The world, due to its imperfect vision, is stumbling. It is our obligation as part of Bharat to show the world the future path through our vision and balance it. We need to prepare for it,” he said.
Referring to the huge Tricolour hoisted at the event after considerable effort, Bhagwat asked the youth to reflect on what the national flag represents and the effort required to take Bharat to a higher position.
“It is our obligation. We should not compare ourselves with others,” he said.
Bhagwat observed that much of the world views development predominantly through a materialistic lens, whereas Bharat’s outlook is not restricted to earning money.
“In Bharat, we do not only think about making money,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of entrepreneurship and called upon young people to face challenges courageously and work with determination to achieve success.
Bhagwat said India’s large population and comparatively limited geographical area meant that it could not simply adopt the development approach followed by countries such as Canada, the US and China.
Countries with smaller populations, vast geographical areas or abundant resources may focus mainly on creating employment, he said, but Bharat’s circumstances required a different approach.
“A country like Bharat, with a huge population and less geography than Canada, the US and China, needs a completely separate thought process for its issues. For that, we need to study properly,” Bhagwat said.