Reiterating India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday underlined the importance of the next 25 years for the future of the country and the present generation.

“It is the government’s resolve to fulfill all the dreams of the ‘Amrit Generation’, create countless opportunities, and remove all obstacles in their paths”, he asserted addressing NCC cadets and NSS volunteers ahead of the Republic Day parade.

Modi reiterated that ‘Nation First’ should be the guiding principle of the ‘Amrit Generation’. He told the young audience never to allow despair to set in their lives. Stressing the importance of every small contribution, he stressed “Yahi Samay hai Sahi Samay hai, Ye Aapka Samay Hai (This is the right time, this is your time).”

He asked the youth to impart strength to their resolve to achieve the goal of a developed nation and to expand the horizon of knowledge so that they could give a new direction to the world and gain new capabilities.

The PM elaborated on the steps for creating new avenues for youth to realise their full potential and mentioned creating new opportunities in newly opened sectors. In this regard, he spoke about new opportunities in the space sector, push to Ease of Doing Business, increased role for the private sector in the defence industry and establishment of the National Research Foundation.

He also talked about reforming the education system in India which allows students to attain higher education in their mother tongue and not being bound to a particular stream or subject. Encouraging the youth to engage in research and innovation, the PM mentioned Atal Tinkering Labs which inspire creativity and innovation.

He underlined that the government has created new opportunities for girl students who want to make a career by joining the Army. “Now, girl students can also be admitted to various Sainik schools”, the PM said, urging them to move forward with full confidence. “Your efforts, your vision, your potential will take India to new heights”, he added.

The PM expressed delight that all the volunteers are directing their energy in the right place. He noted that personality development is natural for someone who has a sense of discipline, travelled a lot in the country, and who has friends from different regions who speak different languages.

“This should not be underestimated”, he said emphasising that it is the most important part of one’s entire life. He also urged them to make fitness their first priority and highlighted the need for discipline in maintaining fitness.

“Motivation may wane sometimes, but it is the discipline that keeps you on the right path,” Modi remarked underlining that victory is guaranteed in every field if discipline becomes motivation.

The PM expressed pride in the cultural programme depicting the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai and said that it has brought India’s history alive today.

This occasion, he said, “is special due to two reasons namely the 75th Republic Day celebrations and its dedication to Nari Shakti of India.” Referring to the women participants from across India, Modi said that they are not here alone but have brought along the essence of their respective states, their culture, traditions and the forward-thinking of their societies.

The PM expressed belief and faith in the strength of the youth. He urged them to study hard, be a conscientious citizen, protect the environment, avoid bad habits and be proud of the nation’s heritage and culture.