‘Yuva’ to ‘naujawan’: What Modi kept coming back to

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned young people 52 times during his lengthy Independence Day address from the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on Saturday. Youth-related terms were a constant theme throughout his lengthy speech.

Youth was mentioned 20 times as "yuva," including 5 references to "yuva shakti" and "yuva samarthya." He also used "naujawan" 22 times. "Saathiyon" or "comrades" appeared 10 times as Modi addressed youth across many sections.

The frequent references came during Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day speech from the historic fort. Youth featured across topics from education, jobs, technology, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, cyber security, sports and drug addiction.

The speech followed weeks of youth activism over the NEET-UG exam paper leak and education protests. The "Sanskrit Chalo" campaign on July 20 saw widespread protests which ended after the government agreed to the protesters' key demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Modi announced free online coaching for candidates preparing for competitive exams, saying the burden of coaching classes falls particularly on the poor and middle class. The government plans to use its digital infrastructure and teaching resources to build a nationwide network of free online coaching.

Modi also announced plans to train one crore young people in artificial intelligence skills over the next year. He listed areas like manufacturing, space, nuclear energy, semiconductors, start-ups and innovation as prime opportunities for young Indians.

Sports was another focus, with the government planning a nationwide talent hunt for children aged 5-15 to identify future world-class athletes. Modi called for participation in the 100-day "Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan" to fight drug addiction, and announced civil defence system modernization and expanded nuclear power capacity.

After the speech, the BJP highlighted Modi's strong bond with Generation Alpha, connecting him with young people. The high frequency of youth-related terms after weeks of education protests made young people a central focus of this year's Independence Day address.