During an address at the Manekshaw Centre, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of harnessing India’s youthful demographic as a potential driver for national development towards achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He cautioned that without strategic engagement, this demographic advantage could transform into a burden. The event, celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, was attended by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi and featured discussions on digital literacy and combating misinformation among youth leaders. This dialogue underscores the vital role of India’s armed forces and youth in shaping the country’s future, highlighting the intersection of defense readiness and socio-economic progress in contemporary Indian strategies.