Around 600 students participate in Abhyudaya–Bharat Rising Forum programme; Mukul Kanitkar calls for greater focus on research, home-grown technology and job creation
Babita Singh
DEHRADUN: With India’s youth population expected to play a defining role in the country’s development journey, an interactive Youth Connect programme was organised by Abhyudaya – Bharat Rising Forum at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), bringing together around 600 students for a discussion on nation-building, Indian values and the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The programme focused on the opportunities and responsibilities before the younger generation as India works towards its long-term development goals. Speakers and participants discussed the importance of knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, self-reliance and responsible citizenship in shaping the country’s future.
The keynote address was delivered by Mukul Kanitkar, who spoke at length about the importance of Bharatiyata and the contribution young people can make to nation-building. He said the vision for India in 2047 would require young Indians to develop the confidence and capabilities to create solutions suited to the country’s own needs.
Kanitkar emphasised the need to promote indigenous development, research and innovation, particularly in areas involving emerging technologies. He encouraged students to move beyond being consumers of technology and explore opportunities to become creators and developers of new technologies.
He also urged students to broaden their approach towards careers and entrepreneurship. Rather than limiting their aspirations to finding employment, he encouraged them to develop an entrepreneurial outlook and explore ways of creating employment opportunities for others.
The interaction also focused on the importance of linking education with innovation and practical problem-solving. Students were encouraged to identify challenges around them and consider how knowledge, technology and enterprise could be used to develop sustainable solutions.
The programme included an interactive session in which students put forward questions and shared their views on a range of subjects related to technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, career opportunities and the future of India. The direct interaction made the session participatory and gave students an opportunity to engage with the speaker beyond a conventional lecture format.
The event was attended by UPES Registrar Manish Madan, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Veena Dutta, Prof D K Gupta, Department Pracharak Dhananjay and Dr Vaibhav Pratap Singh, Surgeon, Vivekananda Health Mission, along with senior faculty members and other representatives.
Lokendra Sharma played an important role in coordinating the programme. Dr Bhalchandra Shingan, the programme convenor, was involved in the planning and preparations for the event. The programme was conducted by Dr Dhruv Kumar.
The participation of nearly 600 students highlighted the interest among young people in issues concerning India’s development and their own role in the country’s future. The Youth Connect programme provided a platform for discussion on how young Indians can contribute through knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible citizenship.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on the role of the present generation in shaping India’s journey towards 2047, with indigenous innovation, technological capability, entrepreneurship and self-reliance emerging as key themes of the interaction.