Use energy for nation-building, not conflicts: Governor to youth

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today said that India is a young nation and the creativity and energy of its youth would contribute meaningfully towards the vision of a developed India by year 2047. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Model United Nations and Youth Parliament at the Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) here today. The seminar was organised under the Viksit Bharat@2047 initiative by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and HPU.

The Governor said that such events serve as a powerful platform to channelise the energy and intellect of the youth, which will help shape India into a developed country. He appreciated that students were discussing national and global issues while keeping their culture alive. “This cultural awareness is the soul of our democracy,” he emphasised.

Speaking about Gen-Z, he said that the youth of Himachal stand out for their deep-rooted connection with their culture and traditions which is evident in their active participation in preserving and promoting these values during events like the Kullu Dasehra and other religious festivities. “In Kullu Dasehra, the young devotees pull the chariot of Lord Raghunath with immense reverence, reflecting their unwavering respect for our cultural heritage,” he remarked, adding that such spirit and devotion among the youth would once again help India.

“Channelise your energy for nation-building, not conflicts as this will help the nation emerge as a Vishvaguru. The youth are not just the present but the future of the country,” he said. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Sankalp’, saying it aligns with the spirit of this initiative and is a step towards building a new India.

Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, said such programmes guide intellectual growth of students. Prof Preeti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, stressed balancing development with environmental protection and spoke on sustainable development and voting rights.

Deans, faculty members, students, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.