International Youth Day 2024 "Embarking on Digital Journeys: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development"

With the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development", August 12, is globally observed as International Youth Day (IYD) 2024.

On this day, the United Nations hosts various events and activities to highlight youth issues and promote the role of young people in achieving global goals.

India boasts of the world's largest youth population, with over 66% of its people under the age of 35. This youth bulge is projected to persist until 2025 and potentially extend until 2030. India's young population is widely acknowledged as a driving force for the country's economic advancement, making it crucial to harness their potential in the right direction.

History Of International Youth Day

In 1999, the first Youth Day was celebrated following the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly (UNGA), which endorsed the recommendation proposed by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon.

The first International Youth Day was celebrated in 2000. Since then, it has become an annual event with a different theme each year, reflecting various issues and challenges such as mental health, climate action, education, and the role of young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Global impact: It has evolved into a momentous occasion for youth organizations, governments, and communities to collaboratively address youth-related issues, advocate for policy changes, and commend the accomplishments and potential of young people.

Indian Youth Accomplishments in 2024

Being young means facing challenges and creating space for future development. The noteworthy achievements of Indian youth in 2024 showcase their talent, hard work, and determination. India's youth have excelled in various fields, including academics and sports. They have made the country proud in the Paris Olympics by winning medals. Notable athletes such as Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, P.V. Sindhu, Rohan Bopanna, Indian Hockey Team and many others have brought honor to the nation. In addition, Anasuya Sengupta made history by winning the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival while Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine as Light' received the Grand Prix, the second-highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival. These are just a few of India's numerous achievements in 2024.

The Struggles Confronting Today's Youth

Today's youth face a variety of interconnected and complex challenges. Here are some key issues:

1. Mental Health Issues

2. Educational pressure

3. Unemployment Challenges

4. Climate Change

5. Social Inequality

6. Cyberbullying

7. Addiction

8. Healthcare Access

9. Gender inequality

10. lack of guidance

Check out how Dera Sacha Sauda is empowering the youth!

Dera Sacha Sauda is a non-government organization well-known for its spiritual and social welfare work. Under the guidance of its current leader, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, it works towards 163 welfare activities initiated by the Spiritual Leader himself.

Empowering the Youth Through Dera Sacha Sauda

Dera Sacha Sauda provides various initiatives for youth, including career counselling, health education, drug addiction awareness, and more, to support youth physically, emotionally, socially, morally, spiritually, professionally, and financially. One of its initiatives, known as the ‘DEPTH Campaign’ has enabled millions of young people overcome their drug addiction, and live a life of prosperity and good health.

Career counselling

Dera Sacha Sauda Sirsa offers free career counselling camps for school children, college goers and youth looking forward for establishing their careers.

Health education

Dera Sacha Sauda hosts sports events and encourages teamwork to inspire the younger generation to prioritize their health. This builds resilience, mental and physical strength and inculcates the spirit to achieve great heights.

Drug addiction awareness

The "Depth" campaign aims to combat drug abuse and help save the nation from this addiction. As part of the campaign, a song called "Jaago Duniya De Loko" has been composed to motivate young people to give up drugs through the power of music. Till date almost 70 million people have overcome drug abuse, of which nearly 70% are youth.

SELF-RELIANCE Assisting unemployed individuals in becoming self-sufficient through self-employment or helping them find a job.

EMPOWERED WOMEN Operating training centers to teach self-defence techniques to women.

SELF-ESTEEM Establishing vocational centers such as stitching and weaving centers to provide employment for women in rural areas.

SEED ‘Social, Spiritual, and Self-life Enrichment and Enhancement with Digital Fasting’ No mobile, TV, and internet from 7:00-9:00 pm every evening for digital detox. Saint MSG also released a song " Chat Pe Chat, Din Raat Chat" to dissuade youth from wasting their time on phones and video games and to encourage them spending some quality time with their families.

CAMPAIGN TO RELIEVE STRESS Doctors organize free counselling camps for people suffering from depression and mental stress to prevent suicide and help them live a fulfilling life. This is especially beneficial for the youth who tend to struggle with negativity.

UTTAM SANSKAAR Every day or three days a week, parents should affectionately teach and explain to children about humanity, selfless welfare for the needy, and service of God's entire creation. This initiative aims to instill moral values and positivity since the early stages of childhood so that they grow up to become positive, string and self-reliant adults.

BLESS (Blessing and Love from Elders by touching their feet at Sunrise, before Starting the day) Start your day by touching the feet of the elders early in the morning and get blessings in return.

TEAM (Together Eating A Meal with family) Having a meal together at least once a week to preserve family happiness

Other initiatives include:

• Spreading awareness about AIDS and homosexuality through seminars
• Counselling youth to avoid Eve/Adam teasing
• Providing digital literacy
• Nature Campaign
• Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) has established several educational institutions that have revolutionized education by integrating Vedic culture with modern methods and traditional values. Under the mentorship of His Holiness Saint Dr. MSG, the sports teams of these institutions have won numerous medals and trophies for our country.

Prolific Youth Icon, Mentor and Guide – Saint Dr. MSG

Saint Dr. MSG is a remarkable youth icon and change-maker. His spiritual teachings encompass a compelling fusion of spiritual insight and pragmatic counsel, presenting a pathway to enduring joy and fortitude.

The method of meditation taught by Saint Dr. MSG not only enhances personal well-being but also improves cognitive abilities, enabling youth to better handle the stresses and decision-making processes required in today's fast-paced world.

On this World Youth Skills Day, let’s take inspiration from Saint Dr. MSG’s unwavering commitment to empowering young people! Let’s work together, leveraging the knowledge and skills of the youth and build a prosperous and harmonious society.