Speaker: Youth key to building ‘Viksit Bharat’

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said India’s youth, armed with the right guidance, technical support, and policy direction, would be pivotal in realising the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. He called upon social organisations to play a proactive role in the mission, citing their importance in the holistic development of society and the nation.

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Addressing the JITEM Youth Conclave-2025, organised by the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) in Gurugram, Birla called for an inclusive approach to progress inspired by the philosophy of ‘Antyodaya’ — uplifting the last person in social hierarchy.

He lauded the Jain community for setting “inspiring and exemplary” standards in this regard. “India’s youth are not just job seekers anymore — they are emerging as job creators,” said Birla, highlighting initiatives like Start-up India, Skill India, Make in India, and the Green Energy Mission as catalysts that were positively channelling the youth’s aspirations and energy.

He described JITO as much more than just a trade body, calling it a platform of convergence where innovation, technology, and Jain philosophical values such as service, peace, and renunciation coexisted.