JAIPUR Governor of Himachal Pradesh Shri Kavinder Gupta on Monday called upon the youth to uphold constitutional values, strengthen democratic traditions and play a proactive role in nation-building, asserting that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but active stakeholders in India’s democratic journey today.
Addressing the 31st National Session of the Bharatiya Yuva Sansad in Jaipur on the occasion of International Day of Democracy, the Governor appreciated the participation of young representatives from 26 states in deliberations on the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’. He said such platforms reflected the vitality, inclusiveness and progressive character of Indian democracy.
Recalling his association with the Bharatiya Yuva Sansad since its inception in 1999, Gupta said the initiative had, particularly since 2002, played an important role in familiarising young people with the Constitution, nurturing democratic values and sensitising them to challenges confronting the nation.
Describing the Bharatiya Yuva Sansad as a “nursery for responsible citizenship and future leadership”, he said India’s democratic ethos had deep civilisational roots. The traditions of dialogue, deliberation and collective decision-making reflected in institutions such as the ‘Sabha’ and ‘Samiti’ during the Vedic period, he said, underlined the longstanding importance accorded to participative governance.
The Governor stressed that democracy extended beyond elections and institutions and was a continuous process of dialogue, participation, accountability, agreement and disagreement built on public trust. He urged young people to understand constitutional values and incorporate them into their conduct and public life.
Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Gupta said his vision of parliamentary democracy remained particularly relevant for the younger generation. He stressed that differences of opinion were natural in a democracy but should not become differences of heart, while national interest must remain above partisan considerations.
On women’s empowerment, the Governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consistently highlighted Nari Shakti as a vital pillar of India’s progress and the vision of Viksit Bharat. He described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as an important step towards strengthening women’s political representation and creating wider opportunities for women-led social and economic transformation.
Gupta said the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 could not be achieved through government efforts alone and required the collective contribution of youth, women, farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs and every citizen.
Highlighting India’s growing global stature, he referred to the recent BRICS Summit in New Delhi and said India’s ability to bring countries with diverse interests together and build consensus reflected its growing diplomatic capability and strategic autonomy. India, he said, believed in dialogue over conflict, diplomacy over confrontation and cooperation in the larger interest of humanity.
“India is no longer a nation that merely listens to the world; it is a nation capable of bringing the world together,” the Governor said, adding that growing support for India’s greater role in the United Nations and the UN Security Council reflected the country’s expanding global influence.
Calling upon young participants to become responsible and sensitive leaders, Gupta said true leadership meant taking society forward together, giving voice to weaker and marginalised sections, respecting democratic traditions and placing national interest above all else.
The Governor congratulated the organisers, office-bearers, mentors and youth delegates from across the country for making the national session meaningful and successful.
