India's Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has expressed strong confidence in Generation Z's ability to transform India into a developed nation ahead of schedule. Speaking at the prestigious Chanakya Defence Dialogue, the military leader outlined how young Indians could accelerate the country's progress toward the Viksit Bharat vision.
Gen Z: The Catalyst for Early Development
During his address, General Dwivedi described Generation Z as socially conscious, digitally fluent, and globally connected - characteristics that position them uniquely to drive India's development journey. He emphasized that with proper guidance and opportunities, this generation could help realize the vision of a developed India by 2037, significantly ahead of the 2047 target.
The Army Chief specifically highlighted that young Indians possess the potential to bring about Viksit Bharat even before the 2047 deadline if they receive appropriate leadership direction and access to meaningful opportunities. His message carried significant weight given the context of discussing national security and development at the high-profile defence forum.
Digital Habits and Military Discipline
General Dwivedi provided fascinating insights into how digital native behaviors intersect with military training requirements. He revealed that new cadets entering the National Defence Academy (NDA) often arrive with strong attachments to their smartphones, requiring several months of adjustment to adapt to the institution's disciplined environment.
While acknowledging that smartphones have become essential tools in contemporary life, the Army Chief stressed the importance of responsible usage. He emphasized the need for young people to understand when to disconnect from devices, what content to share online, and the value of thoughtful responses over impulsive reactions.
Balancing Technology and Traditional Values
The military leader's comments reflect a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology. Rather than rejecting modern tools, he advocated for a balanced approach that harnesses technological advantages while maintaining core values of discipline and thoughtful engagement.
General Dwivedi's message comes at a crucial time when India is leveraging its demographic dividend to achieve ambitious national development goals. His perspective carries particular significance given his position overseeing one of the world's largest military forces and his experience in nurturing young talent through the armed forces training system.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue serves as an important platform for discussing national security and strategic issues, making the Army Chief's focus on youth development particularly noteworthy. His comments suggest that military leadership views Generation Z as crucial partners in nation-building rather than merely as digital consumers.
