India Rises, But Are Its Youth Ready to Lead?

India Rises, But Are Its Youth Ready to Lead?

India has recently etched its name into the global economic hall of fame by surpassing Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, trailing only behind the United States, China, and Germany. This milestone is undeniably a moment of pride for every Indian. It signifies the growing global stature of the nation, the resilience of its industries, and the entrepreneurial zeal of its people. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates India's nominal GDP at over $4.2 trillion in 2025, surpassing Japan's $4.1 trillion.

Yet beneath this celebratory veneer lies a pressing need for introspection. For a country with over 65% of its population under 35, this economic success is just one part of the story. The true test lies in whether this demographic dividend can be transformed into a collective national strength. Can we ensure that this young population is skilled, supported, and guided to not only contribute to economic growth but to drive social and human development in meaningful ways?

India’s youth represent unmatched potential. With approximately 254 million individuals aged 15-24, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India houses the world’s largest youth population. This can be the engine of economic transformation, but it also brings with it immense responsibility. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words ring truer than ever today: “The ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under the earth.” Yet igniting these minds calls for urgent investment in the right fuel — education, employment, mental well-being, digital access, and equal opportunity.

Despite the promising macroeconomic headlines, the everyday reality for many Indian youth remains riddled with challenges. Unemployment and underemployment are chronic. CMIE data shows youth unemployment for the 20-24 age group hovers near 45%, pointing not only to job scarcity but also a systemic issue in employability. Many graduates remain stuck in jobs below their qualifications, indicating a mismatch between academic instruction and market needs. The 2023 ASER report painted a grim picture of foundational learning in India, with over half of the youth lacking basic literacy and numeracy by their early teens.

At the same time, the mental health crisis deepens. India has the unfortunate distinction of reporting the highest number of youth suicides globally. Anxiety, depression, and stress are becoming all too common, exacerbated by academic expectations, job insecurity, social media pressure, and family burdens. Yet support systems remain inadequate, underfunded, and stigmatized.

In an age of digital revolution, the divide between the urban and rural youth is stark. While some are coding apps or launching startups, others are cut off from even basic internet connectivity or computer literacy. Government skilling initiatives are often criticized for their quantity-over-quality approach, leaving many with certifications but few with actual employable skills. Meanwhile, deep-rooted inequalities continue to marginalize vast sections of youth. Girls face barriers to education and employment; caste, region, and religion still define access and opportunity.

And yet, amid these sobering realities, there lies an ocean of opportunity. India stands at a crossroads. This could be its defining century if the right steps are taken now. The education system must evolve, urgently and fundamentally. Rote learning must give way to inquiry, creativity, and real-world application. The National Education Policy 2020 provides a roadmap, but its impact will depend on robust, uniform implementation across states and socio-economic strata.

Mental health must be seen as integral to youth development. Schools and colleges must become safe spaces with embedded counselling, peer support systems, and an open culture around mental wellness. Startups and entrepreneurship must be actively encouraged with easier access to capital, mentoring, and market linkages. Not everyone needs a government job, but every young person must see a pathway to dignity and livelihood.

Digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Access to the internet, devices, and digital learning in rural India must be accelerated. Simultaneously, platforms for youth to participate in civic life, volunteerism, environmental action, and policymaking must be expanded. Initiatives like the Youthisthan Foundation strive to make these connections real and actionable, but they need support and scaling.

Internationally, India can learn from countries that turned their youth bulge into a boom. South Korea’s vocational alignment with industry, Singapore’s focus on skills over degrees, and the African Union’s youth-focused employment programs are all examples worth studying. India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 will remain aspirational unless its youth are equipped for that future.

Inclusiveness must become a value that reflects in budgets, policies, and institutions. Innovation should not be the domain of a privileged few in urban centres but an ethos across geographies. Empowerment must be seen in more than slogans — it must become visible in every college, town, and village where youth look for guidance, not just hope.

As India looks forward to its centenary of independence in 2047, we must ask ourselves not only how wealthy our nation becomes, but how healthy, fair, and conscious it is. We must ask whether every Indian youth feels prepared to lead, to create, and to belong.

Economic milestones are important, but they cannot be our only metric of success. The celebration of India’s rise must be accompanied by a sober recognition of the gaps that remain — and a commitment to fill them.

India’s youth should not merely be witnesses to the growth story — they should be the storytellers, the architects, the protagonists. And for that, we must invest in them not just economically, but emotionally, socially, and educationally.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X.

Let us ensure India’s youth are not waiting for the future. They are shaping it, here and now.