Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Leaders Highlight Youth's Role in Nation-Building
On January 12, which is Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, the Vice President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, spoke at Jawaharlal Nehru University's 9th convocation.
He talked about how important it is to have debates and discussions in a democracy, but also to work together once a decision is made.
He reminded everyone that education should not just be about getting degrees but about building good character and making people strong.
He said that education and training are key to helping India achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
He also praised JNU for its efforts to include different languages and cultures in its studies.
The Vice President urged the graduates to be honest in their pursuit of knowledge, to help reduce inequalities, and to contribute to the development of the nation.
He also asked them to respect their parents and teachers and to follow the values of the constitution and India's cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, praising India's Gen Z for their creativity and innovative ideas.
He highlighted the growth of the startup ecosystem and the importance of youth in nation-building, noting that reforms over the past decade have empowered young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan addressed JNU's 9th convocation on January 12, emphasizing the importance of character-building and empowering education.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India's Gen Z for their creativity and innovative ideas at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.
Both leaders highlighted the significance of Swami Vivekananda's teachings and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Modi noted the growth of the startup ecosystem and the role of youth in nation-building, citing reforms that have empowered young professionals.
Radhakrishnan stressed the need for debate, discussion, and dissent in a healthy democracy, but also for collective cooperation after decisions are made.
- Who
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, graduating students of JNU, and young leaders at VBYLD
- What
- Addresses at JNU's 9th convocation and Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, highlighting Vivekananda's teachings, national development, and youth empowerment
- When
- January 12 (Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary)
- Where
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue venue
- Why
- To inspire graduates and young leaders to uphold intellectual honesty, social inclusion, and national development, and to recognize the role of youth in nation-building
- Event
- Jawaharlal Nehru University's 9th convocation and Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue
- Speakers
- Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Date
- January 12 (Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary)
- Key Message
- Education must build character and empower individuals, youth are crucial for nation-building
- National Vision
- Viksit Bharat @2047
- Core Responsibilities
- Intellectual honesty, social inclusion, national development
- Inclusive Initiatives
- Promotion of Indian languages, civilisational studies, and youth empowerment
- Startup Growth
- From fewer than 500 registered startups before 2014 to a thriving ecosystem
Sources
Reaching bliss through wisdom is Swami Vivekananda’s greatest message: Akhilesh Yadav
‘Arise, awake’: Why Swami Vivekananda matters to Gen Z
Belur Math celebrates Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary with traditional rituals
Swami Vivekananda awakened India: Adityanath
‘Education must go beyond degrees… build character’: Vice-President Radhakrishnan at JNU
Debate, Dissent Part of Healthy Democracy: VP Radhhakrishnan at JNU
Debate, dissent part of healthy democracy: VP Radhhakrishnan at JNU
Swami Vivekanand awakened India’s self-awareness: CM Adityanath
India had almost lost self-consciousness, Vivekananda awakened it: Adityanath
India to become world’s 3rd largest economy with power of its youth: Himachal guv
Swami Vivekananda Gave India A Global Spiritual Identity: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Invoke Inner Strength, Build Character: UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak To Youth On National Youth Day
Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary turns arena for TMC-BJP duel over legacy in poll-bound Bengal
Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Math & Mission celebrates national youth day
Yuva Shakti Leading Nation-Building: Modi
Imbibe Vivekanand’s msg, Raj Guv tells people
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti celebrated at Tagore Library
Vivekananda inspires youngsters to achieve: MLA Damacharla
Collector, SP pay tributes to Swami Vivekananda
Devotees celebrate 164th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Belur Math - Telegraph India