India has always found its strength in its youth—remarkable minds led by courage and a drive to ask the right questions. Historically, young leaders have explored fresh horizons, be it in science, spirituality, culture, or philosophy. From Lord Rama and Arjuna to Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Bhagat Singh, and Subhas Chandra Bose, the young ones have continuously sculpted the greatness of Indian civilization.

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, in his Instagram post, eloquently puts it as, “The continuity and greatness of Indian civilisation lie in the fact that our youth have always been empowered by knowledge, creativity, and courage.”

But today, despite being the largest youth population in the world with over 66% of Indians under 35, Vivek asks, “Are they empowered enough to carry forward this legacy?”

The Problem: Systems That Quell Creativity and Punish Courage

Modern education systems and societal norms often repress the very qualities that make the youth a force to be reckoned with—creativity and courage. The system prioritises mechanical learning, conformity, and unbending career paths, leaving no room for exploration or innovation. Fear of failure is instilled from a very young age, discouraging the youth to pursue bold ideas and entrepreneurial ventures.

Additionally, political polarisation and superficial distractions limit critical thinking and meaningful engagement with the world. Instead of planting the seed of curiosity, young minds are often stuffed with strict narratives that put them on a templatised path taken by all, detracting them from their potential to create positive change. Vivek promptly asks, “Do we want to empower them with religion and politics, or with science, philosophy, and creativity?”

Leaders Who Chose to Defy Norms

Throughout Indian history, young leaders have manned the frontlines of change, not shying away from fighting for what they believed in.

Swami Vivekananda: At just 30, he captivated the world with his speech at the first World’s Parliament of Religions, inspiring generations to come with his ideology of strength, service, and spirituality.

Bhagat Singh: A revolutionary at heart, he fearlessly fought for India’s independence, challenging injustice even if it meant giving his life for the nation’s freedom.

Subhas Chandra Bose: A dynamic leader whose strategic brilliance and unwavering courage motivated the freedom movement.

These revolutionary icons weren’t just products of their genius but an example of how a nurturing society can awaken true creativity and courage.

In contemporary India, several young leaders have taken the chair by breaking barriers and leading with creativity and courage.

Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms): Disrupting the hospitality industry with a scandalous startup at just 19 years old. Now that’s a dream you dare to have.

Malvika Iyer: A disability rights advocate and motivational speaker who overcame a devastating accident to inspire countless others.

Vineeta Singh: As the founder of Sugar Cosmetics, Vineeta has fearlessly navigated the highly competitive beauty industry in India and risen to the top.

These individuals exemplify how empowered youth can drive innovation and positive societal change.

5 Steps to Empower India’s Youth

To build a generation that thrives on creativity and courage, we must make intentional choices as a society.

1. Embrace Creativity in Education

Pivot from rote learning to experiential and inquiry-based education that encourages original thinking and the youth to ask the right questions.

2. Encourage Risk-Taking

Normalise failure as part of the learning process to build courage and resilience in children. Life is not as black and white as we paint it to be, teach them there’s room for grey.

3. Support Entrepreneurial Ventures

Create platforms and provide resources and knowledge for young innovators to test and scale their ideas. Innovation will thrive when we build a strong and supportive foundation.

4. Teach Ethical Leadership

Instill values of integrity and service, empowering youth to combat corruption and injustice. Teach them to ask questions, and not conform to what everyone is accepting.

5. Promote Critical Thinking

Encourage open discussions on science, philosophy, spirituality, and social issues to develop well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who excel in all aspects of life.

A Call to Action

As Vivek challenges, “Do we want them (the youth) to be courageous enough to fight corruption, injustice, and other evils, or empowered enough to combat corruption, mediocrity, inefficiency, sycophancy, and mob outrage?”

The answer lies in our collective ideology. Empowering the youth isn’t about ensuring survival but fostering greatness. A creative and courageous next generation will turn India into Vishwa Guru, enabling it to not only lead the world politically but also intellectually and spiritually.

It’s time we take a call. It’s time we empower the youth to dream bigger, think deeper, and act bolder for a brighter, more innovative future.

How do you think we can empower young minds better? Drop your thoughts below!