By Pramodini Naik, Assistant Director, CYDA
The Bigger Picture: India’s Development Indicators
India’s current development standing reflects both progress and pressing challenges. The country ranks 130 out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.685, placing it in the medium human development category. In the 2025 Sustainable Development Report, India holds the 99th position in SDG achievement. While improvements in life expectancy, education, and income levels are evident, these figures highlight significant gaps in achieving social, economic, and environmental targets. Bridging these gaps requires the active participation of all citizens — and youth must lead the way.
On the occasion of International Youth Day – August 12, 2025, the Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA) was invited to conduct a thought-provoking session at Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s Shankarrao Chavan Law College, Pune. A total of 116 second-year law students attended, engaging deeply with the theme “Youth and a Sustainable Future.”The session aimed to inspire students to reflect on the role of young people in shaping a sustainable society, as well as to examine the challenges that must be addressed to unlock their full potential.
The discussion began with a simple yet powerful question: “How can we define youth?” Students responded with enthusiasm, describing youth as a stage of life marked by a fresh mind, boundless energy and great aspirations. When asked if a 60-year-old person could be considered a youth, most students initially said no. However, they were then invited to reflect: if a person of 60 still possesses a fresh mind, aspirations, and energy, do they not embody the spirit of youth? This exchange set the tone for the session’s central idea — youth is not merely defined by age, but by the mindset, passion, and courage to shape the world.
The session explored three interconnected concepts: Youth, Sustainability and Future. Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the young change-makers of today. Sustainability means meeting our present needs without compromising the needs of future generations, striking a balance between progress and preservation. The future is not a distant dream — it is being built every day through our decisions, values, and actions.
Participants were encouraged to begin with ‘Exploring’ themselves, their interests, strengths, skills, aptitudes and weaknesses. This understanding is the foundation for personal growth. The next step is an active ‘Engagement’ — enhancing strengths, acquiring new competencies through education, life skills, employability training and goal setting. Once equipped with these capacities, young people can make an impactful contribution to development and social transformation.
The discussion also emphasized the connection between youth empowerment and sustainability. Sustainable development depends on environmental conservation, responsible resource management, and inclusive growth. Empowered youth, with their creativity, leadership, and advocacy skills, are essential in generating innovative solutions and mobilizing collective action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Challenges Faced by Today’s Youth
Despite their potential, young people face a wide range of challenges that hinder their ability to contribute fully. Unemployment and the gap between skills and academic qualifications limit career prospects. Many experience a lack of direction, declining critical thinking abilities and minimal involvement in governance. High dropout rates, persistent gender inequality and the influence of social media on self-esteem also pose serious concerns. Added to this are misinformation, media illiteracy, substance addiction and mental health issues, which create further obstacles. Addressing these challenges through targeted policies, quality education and inclusive opportunities is critical to nurturing a generation capable of leading sustainable change.
Role of Law Students in a Sustainable Future
Law students occupy a unique position in advancing sustainability and justice. Their understanding of fundamental rights enables them to safeguard freedoms, promote equity and influence public policy. They are equipped to address social inequalities, advocate for environmental protection, and engage in legal reforms that uphold sustainable principles. Through active participation in governance, community initiatives and legislative discussions, they can shape a future that is fair, inclusive and environmentally responsible.
Conclusion
This International Youth Day session was more than an academic discussion – it was a call to action. Youth must not only dream of a better tomorrow but also work actively to create it today. Law students, with their knowledge and sense of justice, hold the power to influence policy, protect rights, and guide society towards an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future. The path to a sustainable tomorrow depends on the vision, energy and commitment of today’s young minds — and the time to act is now.
