Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said ‘compete and conquer’ is the mantra of new India with the youth writing the code of global prosperity.

Modi was speaking on National Youth Day, celebrated annually to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

Addressing the event in virtual mode, the PM said India is entering the golden age of start-ups riding the strength of Indian youth.

“Today disruptions are happening but this disruption is for development. The Indians are innovating and collaborating to find solutions and writing the code of global prosperity. They are ruling the roost in the world of unicorns. India is entering the golden age of the startup world. The mantra of new India is compete and conquer,” said the PM, citing the Indian achievements in the recent paralympics and terming them as a never-before event.

The PM also hailed the adolescents for vaccine acceptance saying over 2 crore children aged 15 to 18 had been vaccinated already. “Today’s children show the resolve for duty. Our 15 to 18 year olds have shown a tremendous sense of responsibility by quickly getting vaccinated,” said the PM.

He added that the government bill to raise the age of marriage for women to 21 years on par with boys is a step towards equality.

“Boys and girls are equal. The raising of the legal age of marriage will help girls build a career and get space,” the PM said, adding that the world today is looking at India with hope and trust because India is the youngest country in the world – young in enterprise, in dreams, in thoughts and in awakening.

Saluting the sacrifices by Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh; of Bhagat Singh and Netaji Subhas Chander Bose for the freedom of India, the PM said, “Bharat ki toh pracheenta mein bhi naveenta hai (there is modernity even in India’s ancient history).”

Hailing Indian youth, the PM said they would surely carve the path of happiness and security for the country.

“The world agrees that India today has two major powers – demography and democracy. The nation’s strength is directly proportional to its youth power. India’s youth not only have a demographic dividend, they also have democratic values. India considers its youth the drivers of development,” said the PM, adding that the Indian youth were leading development and democratic values.

“What India says today, the world considers the voice of tomorrow. India’s dreams mirror the dreams of the world. Today’s youth have to live for the country and fulfil the dreams of freedom fighters,” said the PM exhorting youngsters to resolve for a better India.

Quoting Sri Aurobindo, the PM said a brave, clean-hearted and aspiring youth is the only foundation on which a future nation can be built.

“Sri Aurobindo’s remarks should serve as a life lesson for 21st century youth. Today as the world’s youngest nation we are at a crossroads. This is a crossroads of new dreams and resolutions. Youth’s strength can steer India to new heights,” the PM said, adding that the government is attempting to create space for the youth, minimise its interference and support enterprise.

The PM also urged everyone to think about being vocal for local when buying products.

TNS