Urban Dreams and 5 'H' of Hope: Power of Youth and India's Urban Century

'Yuva Devo bhava, Yuva Shakti devo bhava': Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a Kenny Sebastian show, and I was blown away – not just by Kenny's humour but by the incredible energy of the audience. The show was a testament to the collective power of young people from all walks of life, who were hanging onto his every word. It got me thinking about the power of youth and how they're being channelled in new and exciting ways. This is especially relevant given the recent budget's emphasis on empowering young Indians, a generation that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our rapidly urbanising nation. The budget recognises that future cities must be livable, resilient, and in harmony with nature.

The world is witnessing an unprecedented urban transformation, with India at its heart. We are on track to become an urban species, with 10 billion people projected to live in cities by 2100. With its booming cities and burgeoning population, India is experiencing this shift firsthand. Our urban landscape is evolving rapidly from the predominantly rural India of the 1980s to becoming the mega-regions with advanced digital infrastructure and (hopefully) equitable, sustainable environments.

India's youthful energy is not just a fact; it's a promise. As the UN has highlighted, a significant portion of our world's population is under 30, and by the end of this decade, that number will rise to an astounding 52%. In India, we hold the largest youth population globally, a demographic brimming with potential and promise, ready to shape a brighter, more vibrant urban future. This generation, despite witnessing rapid climate changes, facing challenges related to food security and advocating for gender and inclusion issues, holds the key to our future. It's more crucial than ever to actively involve them in the processes shaping their future, as they are not just the beneficiaries but also the architects of this future.

But it also got me thinking about Kenny's values, which resonate profoundly with young India: Hope, Hunger, Hard Work, Humility, and Honesty. These five ‘H' are not just words; they are the driving force behind many young people in our country. They are the foundation upon which we can build a better urban future, inspiring us to strive for excellence, work hard, be humble in our successes, and always be honest in our endeavours. These values are not just words; they are the fuel that will drive the youth to shape a brighter, more vibrant urban future, inspiring and motivating them along the way.

Kenny's act delved into family and generational differences, but it went beyond just jokes. He tapped into something more profound: a shared experience of navigating the complexities of modern Indian life. What struck me was how he used humour to spark a conversation about Indian identity – not in a preachy way, but in a way that felt relatable and relevant to the challenges and opportunities of urban life, making us all feel understood and connected. It also underscores the need to create platforms where young people can share their experiences and ideas, fostering a sense of inclusion and value. This is where the power of mass influencers like Kenny Sebastian comes in. They can shape mindsets and influence behaviour change, inspiring young people to adopt more sustainable and inclusive lifestyles.

The show made me realise how crucial it is to break stereotypes and make conversations more accessible. We live in a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, but sometimes, we need help with narrow narratives. Kenny showed us that we could use humour, storytelling, and our unique voices to challenge those narratives and create a more inclusive dialogue that reflects the diversity of our urban experiences, inspiring us all to do the same. The youth have the potential to bring new, unique, and creative ways of thinking to the table, fostering a coming together of diverse ideas and intergenerational dialogue. It's time we move beyond underestimating their potential and create platforms and spaces where they can actively showcase innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to shaping their cities and future.

It's not just about talking, though – it's about action. We need to channel the energy and passion of youth to tackle the issues that matter most to our cities. The budget's focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy is a step in the right direction, recognising that investing in youth is an investment in our nation's urban future. However, converting aspiration into action must be grounded in green skills and sustainable practices. We must empower our youth with the knowledge and tools to create environmentally responsible solutions for our cities.

We need to move beyond surface-level discussions and address social issues head-on. Whether gender equality, mental health, the challenges marginalised communities face, or the need for sustainable urban development, we must create spaces where young people feel safe to speak their minds and share their experiences.

Imagine what we could achieve if we empowered young people to become advocates for change in their cities. We could harness their creativity and technological savvy to develop solutions for unplanned growth, inequality, and environmental sustainability. We could tap into their unique perspectives to build more inclusive, resilient cities that reflect the needs of all citizens. And we could leverage their hope, hunger, hard work, humility, and honesty to drive progress in every aspect of urban life. The potential of the youth is immense, and it's time to inspire them to take initiative and contribute to urban development.

Kenny Sebastian's show was more than just a night of entertainment; it was a reminder of the incredible potential of our youth and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by India's urban century. It's time for us to listen to them, learn from them, and empower them to create the India of their dreams – an India where our cities are vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive for all.