Opinion | How PM Modi Is Leveraging The Power Of Youth In His Viksit Bharat Mission

Unlocking Knowledge with One Nation, One Subscription

Imagine a world where every student and researcher, no matter their socio-economic background, has access to global knowledge resources. That vision is now a reality with the ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ initiative. Spanning 6,300 institutions and benefiting 1.8 crore students and researchers, this programme democratises access to high-quality academic and research content.

By removing barriers to information, this initiative ensures that Indian students and researchers are equipped to compete on a global stage. It fosters a culture of innovation and critical thinking, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future.

PM Internship Scheme: Launching Careers, Shaping Futures

Building a skilled workforce is crucial for any nation aiming to thrive in a competitive global economy. The PM Internship Scheme serves as a launchpad for young professionals, offering them invaluable exposure and experience.

With a target of facilitating one crore internships across the top 500 companies over five years, the scheme has already received over 6.5 lakh applications for 1.27 lakh opportunities as of November 2024. These internships will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that India’s youth are not only employable but also future-ready.

India’s Academic Excellence on the Global Stage

India is rapidly emerging as a hub of academic excellence. In the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025, 162 Indian institutions have made their mark, reflecting the country’s growing global footprint in higher education. This achievement is a testament to the government’s efforts to enhance the quality of education, promote international collaborations, and create a conducive environment for academic growth.

By prioritising research and innovation, India is positioning itself as a global knowledge leader.

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme: Financial Empowerment for Meritorious Students

The financial burden of higher education often prevents bright minds from realising their full potential. The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme addresses this challenge by offering collateral-free loans to students admitted to Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs). Supporting 22 lakh students annually across the top 860 institutions, this initiative ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of academic aspirations.

By empowering students to pursue their dreams, the scheme is nurturing a generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation: Driving Innovation

Research and innovation are the cornerstones of a progressive nation. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), with an allocation of Rs 50,000 crore over five years, is set to transform India into a global research and innovation hub.

The ANRF adopts a mission-mode approach, focusing on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. By fostering collaborations between Indian universities and top global institutions, the foundation is creating a robust ecosystem for cutting-edge research.

This initiative not only boosts university-level research but also aligns with India’s vision of becoming aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) and a global leader in technology and innovation.

Empowering the Creators’ Economy: National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR

India’s creative industries, from animation and gaming to visual effects and extended reality, hold immense potential to strengthen the country’s soft power globally. The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) is designed to harness this potential.

By offering specialised training programmes, fostering research and development, and bringing together global experts, the NCoE aims to position India as a leader in the creators’ economy. This initiative not only generates employment but also promotes cultural diplomacy by showcasing India’s rich heritage and creativity on the global stage.

A Holistic Approach to Youth Empowerment

These initiatives are not isolated efforts—they are part of a comprehensive strategy to empower India’s youth and unlock their potential. From enhancing access to education and fostering skill development to promoting research and innovation, the government is laying a strong foundation for a brighter future.

The impact of these programmes extends beyond individuals. By investing in youth, India is investing in its future. A well-educated, skilled, and innovative workforce drives economic growth, strengthens social cohesion, and enhances the country’s global standing.

The Road Ahead

The journey to empower India’s youth is far from over. While significant strides have been made, the focus must remain on implementation, scalability, and sustainability. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society will be key to maximising the impact of these initiatives.

Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership has set the stage for a transformative era in India’s development. By betting big on its youth, India is not just preparing for the future—it is shaping it. As these initiatives gain momentum, they will not only change the lives of millions of young Indians but also redefine India’s role on the global stage.

A Youth-Driven Vision for a New India

India stands at the cusp of a remarkable transformation. With its youth as the driving force, the nation is poised to achieve unprecedented progress and prosperity. The government’s unwavering commitment to empowering young Indians reflects a deep understanding of their potential as agents of change.

As the world watches, India is proving that its greatest strength lies in its people. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but with the right vision and determination, there is no limit to what this nation can achieve.

India’s youth are not just the future—they are the present. And with initiatives like ‘One Nation, One Subscription’, PM Internship Scheme, and ANRF, their time to shine is now. Through a series of visionary initiatives, the Modi government is harnessing the power of Yuva Shakti into nation-building on a scale that has never been attempted before.

The writer is a well-known author and national spokesperson of BJP. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.