Indian PM Modi marks National Youth Day in Nashik

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, on the occasion of National Youth Day emphasised the significance of India's youth power, which is leading the country's development in every field.

Inaugurating the 27th National Youth Festival at Tapovan Ground in Maharashtra's Nashik today, the Prime Minister urged the youth of India to use local products and avoid drugs.

In his address PM Modi said, "From the sages, and saints of our country to the common man, everyone has always kept youth power paramount. Sri Aurobindo believed that if India wants to achieve her goals, the youth of India will have to move forward with independent thinking. Swami Vivekananda used to say that India's hopes rest on the character and commitment of her youth."

The Prime Minister also praised the youth of India for their potential to create history and encouraged them to engage in activities that would be remembered by future generations.

"I am confident that your strength and your spirit of service will take the country and society to new heights. Your efforts, your hard work will hoist the flag of the power of young India all over the world. I request you to start using products that are locally manufactured, start promoting them and stand for made in India products. Together, we can build our country to be the manufacturing hub of the world," the PM added.

Recalling the epoch-defining contributions of personalities like M Visvesvaraya, Major Dhyan Chand, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Batukeshwar Dutt, Mahatma Phule and Savitri Bai Phule among others , the Prime Minister reminded the youth of their similar responsibilities during the 'Amrit Kaal'. He asked them to work to take the nation to new heights.

Highlighting the tradition of keeping Yuvashakti paramount, PM Modi, quoting Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, credited the youth power for India's entry into the top five economies of the world.

He also mentioned India being among the top three startup ecosystems, record number of patents, and becoming a major manufacturing hub as a manifestation of the youth power of the nation.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held a roadshow in Nashik as he arrived in the city.

He also offered prayers at Shree Kalaram Mandir situated along the banks of Godavari in Nashik. The temple is situated in the Panchavati area of the city.

PM Modi joined the puja ceremonies and also attended the epic narrative recitation of the Ramayana, specifically the 'Yudh Kanda' segment, which depicts Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya at the Mandir Sansthan.

The Prime Minister listened to the Hindi verison of the Marathi recitation through Artificial Intelligence translation and cleaned the premises of the Shree Kala Ram Mandir as part of his cleanliness drive.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also paid floral tribute to youth icon and one of India's greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary.

During his day-long visit to Maharashtra, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the newly completed Atal Setu in Mumbai.

(ANI)