New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi today highlighted the exemplary contribution of young Indians during Operation Sindoor and described it as a defining demonstration of India’s resolve and restraint, reflecting the moral strength and professional excellence of the Armed Forces.
Addressing the Young Leaders Forum (YLF), here, General Dwivedi underscored the crucial role of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s future and safeguarding its sovereignty, a Defence Ministry statement said.
Emphasising India’s demographic advantage — with nearly 65 per cent of the population under the age of 35 — the Army Chief described the youth as a reservoir of innovation, courage and energy that must be channelled with discipline and purpose.
The Army Chief outlined key initiatives focusing on restructuring, technological innovation and enhanced youth engagement. These include the establishment of Army Cells in IITs, the creation of technology clusters and the introduction of the Indian Army Internship Programme (2025).
He called upon the youth to embrace the principles of Atmanirbharta, civic responsibility and national pride, urging them to play an active role in the nation’s journey toward a secure and self-reliant Viksit Bharat @2047.
Addressing the forum, union Minister Kiren Rijiju underscored the pivotal role of India’s youth and the Armed Forces in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Major Bob Khathing for their contributions to India’s unity and sovereignty, he reflected on the nation’s civilisational strength and resilience.
He highlighted India’s robust economic growth exceeding 7 per cent as a reflection of renewed national confidence and capability to become a developed, self-reliant nation within the next two decades.
Underscoring physical fitness, discipline and patriotism as essential virtues for youth, he urged them to lead the nation’s transformation with the same commitment and integrity exemplified by the Indian Armed Forces.
The Minister expressed confidence that the combined resolve of young Indians and the military will secure India’s rightful place among the world’s leading nations by 2047.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Tejasvi Surya, in his address titled “An Inspiring Vision for India’s Future,” highlighted the role of Yuva Shakti as the foundation of India’s moral and strategic strength.
Recalling his memories of the Kargil War, he spoke of how sacrifice and resilience inspired his commitment to national service.
Drawing upon India’s heroic heritage from Lalitaditya to Rani Chennamma and Maharana Pratap, he said India stands at a crossroads from scarcity to possibility, marked by milestones like the landing on moon, digital governance and a thriving start-up ecosystem.
He urged youth to build a self-reliant, disciplined and united India, where innovation and integrity shape the nation’s march toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
Held on National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Forum embodied the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, reaffirming that the youth, as the vanguard of change, are both the drivers and beneficiaries of national transformation on the road to Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Young Leaders Forum 2025 was organised by the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). Held on National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Forum embodied the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, reaffirming that the youth, as the vanguard of change, are both the drivers and beneficiaries of national transformation on the road to Viksit Bharat @2047.
