In a significant address that underscores the growing political importance of the youth demographic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday directly engaged with India's Generation Z, praising their entrepreneurial spirit and positioning them as a model for young people worldwide.
Gen Z as Nation Builders
Speaking via video address after inaugurating space startup Skyroot's infinity campus in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister made a powerful statement about India's young generation. "Today, I can confidently tell Gen Z of the world that if they want true inspiration, they can find it from Bharat's Gen Z," Modi declared during his virtual appearance.
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted how India's youth are driving entrepreneurship and technological innovations across multiple sectors. He emphasized that India's youth always places national interest above everything else, framing their contributions within his broader vision of a developed India.
Global Context of Youth Movements
This direct appeal to Generation Z comes against a backdrop of significant youth-led political movements globally. The Prime Minister's remarks arrive as several countries have witnessed what has become known as Gen Z protests, including in India's immediate neighborhood.
Notable examples include Bangladesh and Nepal where massive stirs led largely by youthful protestors resulted in government changes. Similar youth-driven movements have emerged in nations as geographically diverse as Mexico, Indonesia, and Madagascar, demonstrating the growing political influence of younger generations worldwide.
Political Significance in Indian Context
The timing of PM Modi's outreach carries particular political weight, as opposition leaders have also been actively seeking to engage Generation Z. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi previously reached out to this demographic during the Bihar elections, invoking "vote chori" and urging them to protect democracy through their voting power.
Generation Z, typically defined as those born between approximately 1997 and early 2012, represents a crucial voting bloc and social force that political entities are increasingly attempting to co-opt. The Prime Minister's praise for their innovative capabilities and national commitment appears designed to align this demographic with his government's development agenda.
By highlighting their role in driving technological advancement and entrepreneurship, Modi's address positions India's youth not merely as beneficiaries of development but as active architects of the nation's progress, while simultaneously drawing a distinction with protest movements elsewhere.
