Om Birla urges youth empowerment for building Viksit Bharat by 2047

Gurugram: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today called upon India’s youth to become agents of change and nation-building, emphasizing the importance of right guidance, innovation, and social cooperation to realize the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Youth hold key to India’s future

Addressing the “JITEM Youth Conclave 2025” organized by Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) in Gurugram, Birla said Indian youth are not just job seekers but job creators. “They have the passion for change, the ability to shape the future, and the zeal for nation-building,” he said.

He credited initiatives like Start-up India, Skill India, Make in India, and the Green Energy Mission for channeling youth energy in constructive directions.

Social organizations essential for Viksit Bharat

Highlighting the importance of inclusive growth, Birla emphasized that social organizations have a vital role in shaping a holistic society. “Embodying the spirit of Antyodaya is our shared responsibility,” he remarked, underlining the need to uplift every citizen, especially the marginalized.

JITO: A model of community-led development

Praising JITO’s contribution, Birla said the organization is not merely focused on trade and business but integrates Jain philosophy with innovation and service. “JITO has become a platform where technology, ideas, and ethics converge,” he noted, appreciating its impact on economic, educational, and social empowerment.

Jain community’s global contribution recognized

Birla lauded the Jain community’s commitment to ethics, renunciation, and spiritual values, noting their influence in various fields — from business and science to governance. “Their principles of peace, morality, and cooperation are guiding lights not only in India but across the globe,” he said.

India’s democratic tradition runs deep

Commenting on Indian democracy, Birla said it is rooted not just in modern governance but in the nation’s cultural and spiritual legacy. He reflected on the doubts expressed by the world at the time of independence and how India proved them wrong through collective will, resilience, and inclusive dialogue.