Chapter 1: Initiatives for New India

Introduction

• The world is a massive gym where we go to build ourselves up. Swami Vivekananda
• India has one of the youngest populations in the world with 27.2 per cent of the nation's population belonging to 15-29 years age- group. Such a demographic dividend has the power to improve the country and boost living standards for all.
• The nation's youth will be a crucial resource for development, a catalyst for social and societal transformation, and a force behind technical advancement and economic growth.

The government has taken a number of actions to support the Youth

Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan

• The largest ambassadors and supporters of the flagship Swachh Bharat Campaign today are the young people of our countries. As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) under the leadership of Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) planned various activities of "Swachh Bharat 2.0" initiative from October 1 to 31 October 2022.

Youth Volunteers

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has made it a priority to recruit young people as volunteers in order to achieve the twin goals of nation-building and personality development.
• For the 14,000 Youth Volunteers of NYKS, the Ministry has started a Capacity Development Training Program to improve their life skills. The Panch Pran will be realised in large part thanks to these trained youth volunteers (five resolve).
• In his speech to the country on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi urged the people to make five commitments in order to advance towards realising the goals of the independence warriors by the year 2047.
• These commitments include: the goal of a developed India; getting rid of any signs of the colonial mindset; taking pride in our heritage; unity; and a sense of responsibility among the populace.
• By effectively reaching out to 3.70 crore households and inspiring about 9.38 crore Indians to raise Tiranga on their homes, youth volunteers played a crucial role.
• Due to this, between August 13 and 15, 2022, over 2 crore households voluntarily hoisted Tiranga in their homes.

FIT India

• In order to encourage young people to actively participate in the FIT India movement and lead a fit and healthy lifestyle in keeping with the motivational motto "Fitness Ka Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz," universities and other educational institutions are now renovating their sports facilities.
• On June 3, 2022, MoYAS observed World Bicycle Day, a national initiative that aims to promote physical fitness and endurance while lowering carbon footprints.
• The FIT India Freedom Run's inaugural event was held to commemorate our nation's 74th Independence Day. Almost 7 crore people participated in this virtual race where they may run at any location and pace.

Youth development, education, and sports

• A tremendous equaliser and unifier is sports. No matter the disparities in culture, language, or location, it is a crucial part of societal harmonisation.
• It's high time society recognised sports as a desirable and fulfilling job option.
• To support athletes and improve the nation's sports ecosystem, Khelo India Program was established. In addition to others, it yearly organises the Khelo India Youth Games and Winter Games.
• Khelo India state centres of excellence and district-level Khelo India Centers were established through Khelo India programmes.
• The programme also offers an effective early-stage talent discovery and development system. Moreover, financial support is given for out-of-pocket fees, travel, food, and training.
• To further preserve Indian culture and tradition, Khelo India Plan also encourages rural and indigenous games.
• Almost 23 lakh school students (between the ages of 5 and 18) are evaluated through the Khelo India Mobile App to spot sporting talent at a young age. Also, around 83000 physical education teachers have received training on how to evaluate students' sporting ability.

Way Ahead

• States can be urged to adopt programmes like "One State, One Sport" and give priority to one sport depending on the local population's interest, talent pool, and infrastructure.
• Indian society should adopt a sporting culture.
• At the local, district, and state levels, there should be more leagues, tournaments, and competitions.
• Youth should be guided into international platforms by the government.

Conclusion