Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 10: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underscored the pivotal role of young Indians in shaping the country’s future, describing them as the primary force driving India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.

Addressing the Viksit Bharat Youth Leaders Dialogue at Delhi Cantonment, Singh urged the youth to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to learning in order to keep pace with rapid technological progress. He highlighted emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology and space research as fields where continuous learning would be essential.

“The process of learning never stops. Learn from new practices, from your own mistakes, and above all, from the experiences of others. Dream big, but ensure that your dreams do not become a burden,” the Defence Minister said.

During the event, Singh interacted with 78 young participants from Uttar Pradesh who are part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in New Delhi from January 10 to 12.

Praising the youth leaders for their accomplishments across diverse fields, Singh expressed confidence that their energy, ambition and innovative thinking would play a decisive role in realising the vision of a developed India.

He also spoke about the importance of resilience, noting that challenges are an inherent part of life. “It is easy to stay calm when everything goes as planned. It is criticism and failure that truly test a person’s strength and shape their future path,” he said.

Clarifying that fearlessness does not mean ignoring problems, Singh stressed the need to confront difficulties with courage, wisdom and self-belief. He encouraged young people to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities that help discover potential, build character and sharpen capabilities.

The interaction was attended by several senior defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi, along with other senior officers.