Unleash the Demographic Dividend of Youth | Gen. V.K. Singh | TEDxCaledonian Intl School Youth

India's Demographic Dividend

• India is at a pivotal moment in its history of demography, with a demographic profile that implies having a population between the ages of 15 and 29, which is the most productive and influential age group that can move the society and the nation (13s).
• The country has almost 60 crore of its population who fit into this 15 to 29 age group, which is a huge number, and utilizing this favorable demographic dividend requires careful consideration (1m3s).
• To make use of this demographic dividend, two important factors are quality education and skilling, as unskilled youth will never be a dividend and will not be able to ensure that the nation's agenda can be fulfilled (1m36s).

Utilizing the Demographic Dividend through Education and Skilling

• Education should lead to opening the mind, allowing the youth to do critical thinking, get involved in problem-solving, and form the main intellect of the nation, with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) (2m11s).
• Motivating students and youth is crucial, and the first step is to instill in them the idea that the nation comes first, always and every time, without which nothing is going to happen (3m43s).

Motivation and National Identity

• Motivation is about making a person do something willingly, not by coercion or rule of law, and it is what inspires and takes people forward (4m38s).
• The Army's approach to motivating and training young recruits, aged 18 to 20, is an example of how motivation and training can transform individuals into capable leaders (5m13s).
• The mantra of "Nam, Namak, and Nishan" (reputation, allegiance to the nation, and upholding the flag of the nation) is instilled in these young recruits, making them useful members of their organization (6m27s).
• The youth have demonstrated remarkable achievements, such as scaling the icy heights of Kargil, driven by values like Nam, Namak, and Nishan. There is a need to instill values and skills in the youth to help them become valuable members of the nation. (7m27s)

Challenges and Opportunities for Youth

• A significant challenge for students after acquiring knowledge and skills is finding employment. Without employment opportunities, many may become demotivated and demoralized. It is crucial for society to create employment opportunities. (8m22s)
• Employment should not be limited to government jobs, as there are many opportunities available today, especially with the rise of startups. The youth should be encouraged to utilize these opportunities based on their abilities. (8m45s)
• The startup ecosystem has grown significantly, with the country ranking third globally in unicorns and first in the number of startups launched daily. This growth provides the youth with avenues to pursue their chosen paths. (10m1s)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Innovation is essential for success, and it involves thinking outside the box. Although this can sometimes lead to challenges, it is necessary for progress. The concept of "jugar," or innovative problem-solving with limited resources, should be rekindled among the youth. (10m49s)
• China has successfully encouraged innovation by providing educational opportunities and motivating its youth to create marketable solutions. This approach has led to numerous innovations entering the manufacturing sector. (12m35s)
• The key to success lies in innovativeness and not solely relying on government jobs, which account for less than 10% of the overall job market (13m8s).

Practical Training and Implementation

• Practical training and implementation of ideas learned in class can lead to success, as seen in the example of a Gujarati Professor in the USA who took his students to Africa to build greenhouses for the farming community at a cost of less than $100 (14m1s).
• This kind of practical training and implementation of ideas is what ultimately brings success and enables individuals to think beyond the books they have read (15m27s).

The Importance of Motivation and Mentorship

• Motivation is crucial for success, whether it comes from a leader, community leader, teacher, or someone else (16m9s).
• Mental strength is more important than physical strength in overcoming difficulties, as seen in the example of Marine Commando Jinder Singh's confidence jump training (17m6s).
• The confidence jump training involves a series of physically and mentally challenging tasks, including a 60ft jump, swimming, and a monkey crawl, which requires mental strength and focus (17m22s).
• The example of Jinder Singh, who did not follow the norm during the confidence jump training, highlights the importance of following instructions and protocols (19m0s).
• A story is shared about an individual who initially struggled with fear when attempting a challenging task, but overcame it through encouragement and example-setting, highlighting the importance of mentors who not only talk but also demonstrate actions to inspire youth. (19m22s)
• It is emphasized that those guiding the youth should live by example to effectively motivate and help them overcome fears and challenges. (20m45s)
• The importance of patience and understanding in guiding youth is stressed, acknowledging that learning and growth take time and cannot be rushed. (21m45s)
• The role of mentors is crucial in providing confidence and support to youth, enabling them to tackle difficult situations and succeed. (22m22s)
• The potential of youth to achieve great things and bring honor to their institutions is highlighted, provided they are inspired and motivated by their mentors. (22m45s)
• The future progress of a country is linked to the guidance and empowerment of its youth, who are seen as the backbone for future development. (23m25s)