Youth must lead India’s journey to developed nation by 2047: Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal called upon the youth to actively contribute to building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision outlined under the ‘Panch Pran’ (Five Pledges) during Amrit Kaal.

The minister was speaking while inaugurating the 2025 edition of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) Conference in Noida.

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Addressing a gathering of students and young leaders from across the country and overseas, the Minister said India stands at the cusp of a major transformation as it marks a 25-year journey leading to the centenary of independence.

Recalling the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address in 2022, he described this period as a defining moment for the nation.

He elaborated on the five pledges that serve as the foundation for achieving the goal of a developed India. “The first pledge is the resolve to make India a developed nation. The youth must see themselves as key contributors to this transformation,” he said, urging students to embrace all five pledges with equal commitment.

Highlighting the second pledge—shedding the colonial mindset—Goyal called for breaking free from inherited constraints and aspiring to meet global benchmarks. “Centuries of foreign rule have eroded confidence, but it’s time to think big and aim higher,” he noted.

The Minister stressed the importance of the third pledge: taking pride in India’s heritage. “Vikas bhi, virasat bhi—development along with heritage. Our cultural roots and traditions must guide our journey forward,” he said, adding that India’s diversity is a strength to be celebrated.

He underscored national unity as the fourth pledge, praising IIMUN for bringing together youth from different regions and backgrounds. “Unity and integrity are the bedrock of our nation-building efforts,” he said.

The fifth and final pledge, according to Goyal, is the collective responsibility of 1.4 billion Indians. “We must work together like a family, with compassion, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Our progress must uplift every section of society,” he said.

Encouraging students to view nation-building as both a privilege and a duty, Goyal urged them to pursue every task with dedication and empathy. He also acknowledged the role of teachers and mentors in shaping the future of the nation, calling their contributions one of the most meaningful relationships in life.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s Independence Day 2024 address, Goyal invited the youth to take active roles in politics and public service. “The country needs capable and committed individuals in governance who can bring change with compassion and a spirit of service,” he said.

Concluding his address, the Minister exhorted the youth to take charge of the nation’s future. “Be the changemakers, the movers and shakers of tomorrow’s India. With collective resolve, we can overcome every challenge and achieve new heights,” he said.