Empowering youth: their role in shaping a stronger nation

12/05/25

Bal Raksha Bharat Blogs

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The role of youth in nation building merits analysis and discussion, as it represents one of the most significant investments any nation can make toward ensuring a prosperous future. Young people bring fresh perspectives, technological adaptability, and energy; these are assets that can transform communities and national systems. Harnessing the unique qualities that youth bring, by supporting, engaging and catalysing them, can unleash positive change across social, economic, and political dimensions of a nation. This ‘role of youth in nation building’ essay article examines how empowering young citizens can strengthen the foundation of a nation and create sustainable pathways for development.

The current landscape of youth engagement

Today’s youth live in a world that is defined by rapid technological advancement, economic transformation, and evolving social structures. However, these changes must serve as opportunities that serve youth, as seen in the remarkable examples of youth-led movements addressing climate change, educational reform, and social justice. Towards this regard, youth activists have leveraged digital platforms to mobilise peers and amplify their voices in unprecedented ways.

Some schools have embraced project-based learning, student-led initiatives, and civic education programmes that develop leadership capabilities and community awareness. Other schools leverage models to help students explore the process of civic engagement, e.g., through classroom elections, model United Nations, etc.

Foundations of effective youth empowerment

The foundation of meaningful youth empowerment is the recognition of young people as valuable contributors. This replaces the old paradigm of students being passive recipients of guidance from adults. By recognising their role and energies, organisations are able to adopt and deploy a strengths-based approach that acknowledges the unique capabilities, insights, and energy that youth can bring to community challenges – making them resources to be developed and engaged. When experienced adults provide guidance while respecting youth, young people develop confidence in their abilities alongside practical skills. Effective mentorship creates space for trial and error, encouraging learning through experience rather than mere instruction.

The role of literacy

Digital literacy and technological fluency are major competencies for modern youth empowerment. Young people who can navigate, evaluate, and create digital content possess powerful tools for civic engagement and professional development. Communities that invest in technological infrastructure and education enable youth to connect with networks, access diverse perspectives, and develop solutions to local challenges using global resources.

Financial literacy similarly provides foundations for youth independence and community engagement. Young people who understand budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurial principles can build economic security while developing projects that address community needs.

Read Also: Challenges Faced by Children from Marginalised Indian Communities

Youth participation in nation building

Beyond voting, young citizens can serve on local boards, participate in public forums, and as volunteers in political engagement. Youth advisory councils at university, municipal, state, and federal levels provide structured opportunities for young voices to inform policy decisions directly.

Service learning and volunteer initiatives connect young citizens directly with community needs while developing practical skills and civic awareness. Organisations facilitating structured service opportunities create environments where youth can test leadership capabilities, explore potential career paths, and build meaningful connections with diverse community members.

We are entering an era where nations face increasingly complex challenges, from climate change to economic inequality. Against this backdrop, the participation of empowered youth becomes ever more essential. Through meaningful youth empowerment, nations not only strengthen their current conditions but also secure their long-term prosperity and resilience.
Bal Raksha Bharat, a child protection NGO, supports youth empowerment through a variety of programmes designed to provide young individuals with basic education, essential life skills, and opportunities for personal growth. One of the primary ways the organisation assists young people is by offering structured educational programmes that aim to keep children in school and help them complete their formal education. These efforts involve working closely with schools and communities to identify the specific needs of students and address potential barriers to education.

In addition to formal education, Bal Raksha Bharat organises skill development initiatives aimed at equipping young individuals with practical competencies that can enhance their employability. These initiatives usually include child education donation, vocational training and workshops, covering areas such as basic computer literacy, technical skills, and financial management. The goal is to provide youth with the tools necessary to secure meaningful employment or start their own small businesses, thereby enabling them to become economically self-sufficient.

Bal Raksha Bharat also engages young people through awareness campaigns and community-based activities designed to increase their participation in civic life. Such programmes encourage youth to take active roles in local governance and community decision-making processes. By providing opportunities for young people to voice their concerns and contribute ideas, the organisation aims to foster a sense of responsibility, confidence, and social involvement among participants.

Furthermore, the organisation maintains consistent efforts in mentorship and counselling services to help young people navigate personal challenges and set realistic life goals. These counselling sessions offer guidance in personal development, career planning, and mental well-being. The sessions are designed to help youth build resilience and develop a positive outlook on their future.

Anikait Suri