RUPAM NATH,SORBHOG, BARPETA.
“Extraordinary situation seeks extraordinary measures”. Pandemic-induced bizarre happenings that had triggered social and economic aspects culminated some extraordinary measures. Notably, “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan”, in English “Self- reliant India Mission” is a constructive program of the government of India which aims to make Bharat, ‘self-reliant’, and conveys the idea not to disengage imports drastically but rather to support and facilitate India by realizing its true potential. Although, the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat is not fresh, it encompasses similar notion envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi, who believed in the advancement of cottage industries to promote the village, adding elevation of ‘charkha’ and ‘khadi’. With a massive rate of youth populace, India has an advantage in mushrooming start-ups and independent enterprises promoting indigenous talent. Citing the report of “World Bank: Ease of Doing Business 2020” where India ranked on 63rd position out of 190 countries, this itself demonstrates a high exposure of business environment in India. So,taking the advantage the young generation should think for some entrepreneurial ventures rather relying on foreign companies, where Indian consumers would accept the locally produced goods. Consequently, we can anticipate an Indian market where the producer and the consumer both will be indigenous, solving brain-drain problem.Youth empowerment is prerequisite to attain Atmanirbhar Bharat, and prioritizing youths’ needs and aspirations is basal for the overall socio, economic and demographic development. The conventional education system of India that prioritizes textbook and theoretical learning, where students and learners chase marks or grades, needs to change its track and NEP 2020, in this regard, if implemented aptly, shall bring a paradigm shift, promoting quality education, innovation and research. Hence, educators and parents or guardians need to play a decisive role to make the goal of ‘practical’ learning practicable rather than conventional theory-based one. A gloomy picture depicts, of 65% India’s youth population, a large portion is unemployed or underemployed; lack of skills and proper education being the main reasons. Employing youthful energy towards making India ‘self-reliant’ can be attained by focusing on developing vocational, technical and managerial skills. In addition, India being an agri-based country is still dependent in many regards, which calls for youth’s engagement. Practical and scientific ways need to be devised out, agri-food startups being the spearheaders.
Up-skilling youth to the fullest, campaigning from the upper level to the grassroot level, India full of manpower can attain the goals of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in the long run.