Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Saturday addressed the 4th edition of the IMC-YLF Youth Conclave virtually and told the youth “You are the future drivers of the country’s economy; be proactive, act on opportunities, and embrace new technologies to contribute to the nation’s development.”

He said the nation is approaching its 100th year of independence. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Government has introduced ‘Vision Viksit Bharat@2047,’ envisioning India as a superpower, with the youth playing a pivotal role.

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Highlighting the role of youth in ‘Vision Viksit Bharat@2047,’ the Minister emphasized India’s unparalleled potential, with a workforce of 547 million individuals, constituting 41 per cent of the 1.4 billion population, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023.

Out of the 1.4 billion Indians, about a billion are under the age of 35 today, he said. By 2047, an estimated 21 per cent of the global workforce will call India its home. Mr Thakur emphasized that the youth are not only architects of the future but also custodians of the nation’s aspirations, policies, and destiny.

Discussing ‘Vision Viksit Bharat 2024,’ the Minister noted India’s position as the second-largest country on the internet, with three Indians joining every minute, two of them from villages. Anticipating that 20 per cent of the world’s middle class will reside in India by 2024, Mr Thakur called upon young entrepreneurs to innovate and positively disrupt sectors like housing, education, infrastructure, water, food, health, and entertainment.

The Minister highlighted that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade recognizes 17,000 start-ups, generating 1.3 million jobs in the last decade. Women are occupying positions of directors in them. Mr Thakur mentioned the ‘My Yuva Bharat’ platform, launched by PM Modi on 31 October 31, 2023, empowering Indian youth for the nation’s centenary of independence in 2047.

The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to positioning India as the content hub of the world. India has superior human resource, technical capabilities, and gives incentives for pre and post-production.

With a 28 per cent annual growth rate in the OTT platform, the Indian youth have the potential to showcase the nation’s civilizational strength. The Minister highlighted the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 aiming to protect intellectual property will prevent an annual loss of Rs 20,000 crores in the Indian Film Industry.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr Samir Somaiya, President of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasizing the crucial roles of youth and industry in the nation’s development.