India is also called the country of youth.
India is counted among the youngest countries in the world today. The biggest strength of this country with a population of about 1.4 billion (140 crores) is its youth. According to various data from the United Nations and the Government of India, about 65 percent of India’s population is below 35 years of age and about 50 percent of the population is below 25 years of age. This is the reason why the world calls India a young nation.
In such a situation, it is natural to know which state in India has the highest number of youth, what is the condition of the states and why does India celebrate National Youth Day?
Which state in India has the highest number of youth?
If we talk on the basis of numbers, Uttar Pradesh is the state of India where the highest youth population lives. The main reason for this is that the total population of Uttar Pradesh is the highest in the country. Today Uttar Pradesh is the largest state of India with a population of about 24 crores. Here the number of youth in the age group of 15-29 years is said to be the highest i.e. around 5.5 to 6 crores.
In this way, UP’s share in the national youth population is about 16 percent. This state is very important for the youth in terms of education, employment and skill development. This is the reason why the youth of UP have been leaving their deep and indelible impression not only in the entire country but also in foreign countries.
Every year on 12 January, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is celebrated as National Youth Day.
What is the situation of the states?
- Bihar: The total population here is about 13 crores. The number of youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years is said to be around 3.5 crores. In this way the percentage of youth here is around 27-28. The average age of Bihar is one of the lowest states in the country. A large number of youth from here migrate to other states for education and employment. This is both the weakness and strength of this state. Today the youth of Bihar is proving its presence in every state of the country. No matter what the position.
- Madhya Pradesh: The total population of MP is about 8.7 crores and among these the youth population is said to be about 2.1 to 2.3 crores. In this way the percentage of youth in the state is around 25-26. Madhya Pradesh, the heartland of India, has emerged as an important state from the youth point of view due to agriculture, education and industrial investment in recent years.
- Maharashtra: The total population of this state, which embraces the country’s financial capital Mumbai, is approximately 12.5 crores. The youth population here is said to be around 2.6 to 2.8 crores. In this way the percentage of youth was around 22-23. Youth workforce participation is very strong in Maharashtra due to urbanization, industrial growth and startup culture.
- Gujarat: In this state which has given the country its PM and Home Minister, the youth is around 23 percent and the total population is around seven crores. Gujarat is among the leading industrial states of the country, this is not hidden from anyone. The long coastline and port infrastructure here can provide better opportunities for the youth. The culture of business and entrepreneurship has been strong in Gujarat. The youth here are also interested in business. In such a situation, the available youth can be put to best use by giving them proper training.
- Rajasthan: The total population of this state, which ranges from desert to desert to kings and princely states, is approximately 8.1 crore. In this the youth population is said to be around 2.0 to 2.2 crores. In this way the percentage of youth was around 26. In Rajasthan, youth are seen playing a big role in army, police, competitive examinations and self-employment. The contribution of the youth here is also important in the field of music.
- West Bengal: The total population of this state of Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Swami Vivekananda is around 10 crores. The youth population here is relatively less i.e. about 2.1 crores. In this way the percentage of youth is only around 22. Here, along with education and cultural consciousness, youth have been playing an active role in social movements.
AI photo
- Jharkhand: This state, full of mineral wealth, is also still young. The total population here is around 4 crores. In this, the youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years are a little more than one crore i.e. almost one fourth. Due to the tribal youth population, the impact of skilling and education on socio-economic development can be very strong. Only the state and central governments will have to try.
- Chhattisgarh: Like Jharkhand, this state has also reached the 26th stage of age. The total population is 3.2 crores and the number of youth in it is less than one crore i.e. about one fourth. Sectors like minerals, electricity, steel, aluminium, cement play a big role in the economy of the state. There is a demand for youth with technical skills. Rural employment can be created by increasing youth entrepreneurship in agriculture and forest produce based livelihood.
- South Indian states: The youth percentage in Kerala is around 18-19. In this most educated state of the country, the average age is high and the elderly population is increasing. Tamil Nadu has about 20 percent youth population. The youth here have a big involvement in education and industry. The number of youth in the total population of Karnataka is approximately 1.5 crore. This state is the hub of IT and there is huge potential for the youth here. The situation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is more or less the same as in Karnataka. The youth population in both the states is more than 20 percent. These states also have immense potential in themselves.
- States of Northeast India: The number of youth in Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Mizoram is around 2025 percent. The population of these states may be less but the youth here play a decisive role. They can do anything by organizing themselves. The movements in the North-East confirm the presence and usefulness of the youth. If they are guided in the right direction, they have the power to change the situation. Governments will have to think in this direction.
Why is youth important in the states?
- Demographic Dividend: Production, tax base and savings can increase as the working age population increases.
- Quick Returns of Skilling: 1529 Training in the age group has a rapid impact on employment and productivity.
- Migration and Remittance: In some states, income comes from external employment. If there is safe, efficient migration, benefits increase.
- Tech-Adoption: Youth are quick adopters of digital services, fintech, e-governance, and new technologies.
- social change: Youth play a decisive role in education, health, gender equality and civic participation.
Why is youth population important for India?
Youth population can become the backbone of economic development for any country. Innovation and startup are the strengths of culture. This young generation has the ability to shape the future of defence, science, sports and technology. If given the right education, health and employment opportunities, it is these youth who can convert the demographic dividend into economic power.
National Youth Day is dedicated to which great man?
National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January, the birth anniversary of India’s great thinker, philosopher and social reformer Swami Vivekananda. The Government of India decided in 1984 that National Youth Day would be celebrated every year on 12 January from 1985. This day is dedicated to inspiring the youth, giving direction to their thoughts and underlining their role in nation building. Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 in Kolkata (then Calcutta).
Importance of National Youth Day in today’s India
Today when India is becoming a startup hub. Digital India is working on campaigns like Make in India. If space, sports and technology are reaching new heights, the biggest role behind this is the youth power. National Youth Day inspires the youth. Makes them realize their social responsibilities. Connects with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.
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