Youth Day 2026 Igniting Young Minds to Impact the World

Youth Day 2026 celebrates the power of young minds to ignite change and shape a better future.

In a world defined by rapid transformation, today’s youth are not just participants but catalysts driven by purpose, creativity, and resilience.

This year’s theme recognizes the role of self-confidence, leadership, and responsibility in turning personal potential into collective impact. Through the development of ideas, values, and innovation, young leaders will be able to make a difference that goes far beyond borders.

 

 

 

 

 

Tara Kapur, India Market Lead, Duolingo English Test

India is home to the world’s largest youth population, giving us a strong advantage in shaping the global talent landscape. Across the country, young people are full of ideas, ambitions, and the desire to make a difference. For this potential to truly translate into nation-building, we need to provide them with access to quality education and global opportunities.

Studying abroad allows our youth to learn alongside some of the best minds globally and gain exposure to new ideas. When Indian students study abroad, they are building connections, learning from diverse perspectives, and eventually bringing that expertise back home. Many return to lead research initiatives, run successful businesses and drive innovation in fields like technology, healthcare and policy.

However, it is important that every talented young person gets a fair chance. English proficiency testing remains a key gateway to global education. By making high-quality learning and assessment more accessible, we can empower more of India’s youth to participate in global opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth. At the Duolingo English Test, we are committed to supporting this journey by making English assessment more accessible, affordable and convenient for students everywhere. Our aim is to remove unnecessary barriers and make sure that every capable student has access to the opportunities they deserve.

Dr. Rama, Principal, Indo Asian Women’s Degree College

“Literacy makes u a literate where in education tunes you to be resilience to the situation .“ Education being the only mechanism to make the entire global of mankind to live a life of certainty .

Since the time of evolution and memory man as always tired and acquired a skill to with stand the dangers and challenges that came his way,the best example could be the stone weapons during the Stone Age and the iron weapons during the Iron Age to protect himself from the animals and other hazards and also a trade marks of up grading.

Today in 2026 the challenges are far more different and the only uniform weapon that we have to fight against these odds is education. Education, which infuses knowledge in the young mind discipline them with their skill, also has to emphasize more on resilience. A huge banyan tree might fall to the grounds with a single storm, and the tiny plants cultivate the strength and resilience to fight against the most powerful hurricane.

Children and the youngest being the leaders of tomorrow has to be taught to fight the psychological warfare and break the barriers and overcome the obstacles and with stand the challenges.The recent report of WHO states that three out of five youngest and two out of four children are having a psychological trauma due to various social challenges.when a child is educated, enhanced and resilient he or she can revive the entire system to it’s glory .

Dr N Bharathi, Principal, Indo Asian Academy Degree College

Every meaningful transformation begins within. Igniting the self is about discovering your purpose, building confidence, and committing to lifelong learning. It means nurturing your talents, strengthening your mind-set, and developing values such as discipline, integrity, empathy, and resilience. When individuals grow inwardly, they gain the clarity and courage needed to face challenges and seize opportunities.

Self-ignition empowers you to think critically, act responsibly, and lead with vision. It transforms potential into capability and ambition into action. As your skills and character evolve, your influence naturally extends beyond personal success to the wider community.

Impacting the world does not always require extraordinary achievements. It begins with everyday choices using knowledge wisely, serving others selflessly, and contributing positively to society. Small actions, when guided by purpose, create lasting change. Education, innovation, and ethical leadership become powerful tools for progress when rooted in strong personal values.

When individuals ignite the best within themselves, they become catalysts for growth, inspiration, and transformation. The world is shaped by those who believe in their potential and use it responsibly.

Ignite the self within you. Let your journey create a meaningful impact on the world.

Dr. Anita Patankar, Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai

"National Youth Day is a reminder that the true strength of any nation lies in the values, curiosity, and resilience of its young adults. Today’s youth are growing up in a world shaped by rapid change, global challenges, and constant innovation. Knowledge no longer is enough.

What is probably most important to navigate these myriad changes and challenges is the confidence to think independently and critically, act ethically and fearlessly, and adapt with purpose and agility.

Learning ecosystems that help them learn these skills, value diversity, collaborate across functional domains and geographies, and apply knowledge to real-world challenges are the need of the hour. We are committed to supporting students not only for their personal and professional lives, but also for being lifelong learners."

 

 

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design

“National Youth Day is a reminder that the future of our nation is being shaped in classrooms, studios and communities by young minds driven by curiosity and purpose.

Today’s youth are not just learners; they are innovators, changemakers, and responsible global citizens. As design-led universities, our responsibility is to nurture their ability to think creatively, work across disciplines, and use design as a force for social, cultural, and technological transformation.

When youth are empowered through design thinking, they become architects of a more equitable and resilient future.”

 

 

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India

“The younger generation today demonstrates an instinctive command of technology and a remarkable ability to adapt to rapid change. Their quick learning curve and enthusiastic adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, no-code/low-code platforms, and related technologies further empower them to innovate faster and translate ideas into solutions with unprecedented agility.

This fluency positions them not merely as users of digital tools, but as architects of innovation capable of addressing complex societal and economic challenges. As leaders, our responsibility extends beyond encouragement to actively enabling this potential by building platforms, skills, and opportunities that translate talent into impact.

At Esri India, we have consistently invested in nurturing young minds through initiatives such as the Master Mentors Geo-Enabling Indian Scholars program, GIS Master’s Scholarships, and the Young Scholar initiative, with a focus on developing strong geospatial and analytical capabilities.

A significant part of our workforce reflects this youthful energy, reinforcing our belief that empowering the next generation is central to strengthening India’s digital and geospatial ecosystem. On National Youth Day, I extend my congratulations to the youth of the nation and celebrate their role as the true drivers of India’s future growth and innovation.”

Professor Parimal Mandke, Vice President, NIIT University

National Youth Day is not about celebrating potential in abstraction; it is about recognising responsibility in action. Swami Vivekananda reminded us that the strength of a nation lies in the character of its youth.

In 2026, that message feels more urgent than ever. A Viksit Bharat will not be built by spectators, but by young citizens who engage deeply with democracy, question constructively, and apply their talents to real national challenges.

As we mark Youth Day on the lines of ‘Ignite the Self, Impact the World’, India stands at a pivotal inflection point where its demographic dividend can translate into sustained economic acceleration if matched with the right skilling investments. With over 65% of India’s population below the age of 35 and an estimated 12 million youth set to enter the workforce by 2026, the urgency to build future-ready capabilities has never been higher.

Dr. Amit Kumar Thakur, Professor and Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Lovely Professional University, Punjab

Youth is the courage to question the world and the patience to rebuild it better where rebellion becomes responsibility, and dreams mature into disciplined action that reshapes society with wisdom, not just passion. It is the stage of life where curiosity turns into conviction and energy finds its true direction through purpose.

Youth dares to challenge outdated beliefs, not to destroy, but to improve what exists for the generations to come. In this phase, mistakes become lessons, and failures become stepping stones toward meaningful success.

True youth does not seek shortcuts to fame; it chooses the longer path of learning, service, and integrity. When young minds balance bold ideas with ethical thinking, they become architects of lasting change rather than agents of temporary noise. The power of youth lies not only in speed and strength, but in the ability to pause, reflect, and act wisely. Such youth build nations, inspire communities, and turn hope into a living reality.

 

Dr. B. K. Chakravarthy, Dean, School of Design Innovation, Mahindra University 

“On National Youth Day, inspired by Swami Vivekananda, India celebrates a generation filled with energy, ambition, and a deep desire to contribute to the nation’s future.

Young people today are more aware, aspirational, and willing than ever to shape a stronger, more inclusive India. Their dreams extend beyond personal success to meaningful work, social impact, and active participation in nation-building.

Yet, alongside this optimism, many youth navigate a landscape where opportunities do not always keep pace with aspirations. Employment pathways can feel uncertain or misaligned, and academic effort does not always translate into fulfilling work. This gap often creates anxiety instead of confidence.

While education continues to expand, classrooms still have the opportunity to evolve further, moving beyond exam-oriented learning toward problem-solving, collaboration, and exposure to emerging technology-driven sectors such as digital public infrastructure and innovation. Skilling initiatives exist, but stronger alignment with real industry needs can make them more effective.

Many young Indians aspire to engage in civic action, social change, and public life. However, access, mentorship, and trust in institutions remain limited. To fully realise the youth dividend, reforms in education, industry engagement, and participatory governance are essential. Only then can youthful energy truly power Viksit Bharat 2047.

Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services

As we mark Youth Day on the lines of ‘Ignite the Self, Impact the World’, India stands at a pivotal inflection point where its demographic dividend can translate into sustained economic acceleration if matched with the right skilling investments.

With over 65% of India’s population below the age of 35 and an estimated 12 million youth set to enter the workforce by 2026, the urgency to build future-ready capabilities has never been higher.

A recent report highlights that only 1 in 5 Indian youth have participated in AI-skilling programmes, revealing a significant opportunity gap even as workplaces increasingly prioritise AI fluency and advanced digital competencies.

The next phase of growth will be driven by skills across AI and machine learning, data science and analytics, cybersecurity, cloud and platform engineering, digital product management, automation, and green technology roles. The next phase of growth will be driven by skills across AI and machine learning, data science and analytics, cybersecurity, cloud and platform engineering, digital product management, automation, and green technology roles.

Today,only 45% are considered job-ready for high-growth tech and digital roles. This gap presents a clear opportunity: targeted upskilling at scale could unlock productivity gains ofaround 21% across knowledge-intensive sectors, with the potential to contribute up to 8% to India’s GDP by 2026.

Inclusive participation remains an important factor in India’s workforce outcomes. Women currently accountfor 41.7% of the formal workforce, and youth employability levels in tier-2 and tier-3 cities trail metro cities. Expanding access to quality training infrastructure, increasing female workforce participation to 55% by 2030, and integrating underrepresented groups could add an estimated 9.3 million skilled workers to the economy over the next 5 years.

Stronger alignment between academia and industry, combined with apprenticeships, paid internships, and entrepreneurship-led skilling models, will support the translation of learning outcomes into employability.

Dr Umesh Kothari, Assistant Dean, GMBA/MGB and GCGM & Assistant Professor, SP Jain School of Global Management

“Igniting the self is about nurturing curiosity, resilience, and values-driven leadership. In an increasingly interconnected world, today’s youth are not just preparing for the future, they are actively shaping it through innovation, ethical decision-making, and a strong commitment to creating positive change.

As global citizens, young leaders are learning to think beyond borders, cultures, and conventions. This global mindset, grounded in purpose and responsibility, will define the leadership of tomorrow and empower youth to make a meaningful impact on the world.”

 

 

 

 

Dr Christopher Abraham, CEO & Head, Dubai Campus, SP Jain School of Global Management

“National Youth Day reminds us that meaningful change always begins from within.

When young individuals ignite their inner purpose through education, global exposure, and self-belief, they develop the confidence and capability to influence economies, address complex global challenges, and create lasting impact across societies.

By investing in their own growth, they become catalysts for progress on a global scale.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atul Chaturvedi, Executive Chairman, Shree Renuka Sugars

On the occasion of National Youth Day we celebrate the future Nation Builders of our country.The youth of today is not only more aware compared to our generation ,they are also more aspirational and willing to help in making India stronger and more inclusive.

Inspite of Indian GDP growing at more than 7% we still find employment pathways uncertain and academic efforts not always translate into good fulfilling jobs.Skilling initiatives exist, but the need of the hour is to have stronger alignment with real industry.

To fully realize the demographic youth dividend, reforms in education,better industry engagement and participatory governance are essential for making Bharat Viksit  by 2047.