Honesty, Integrity and commitment- President Kovind puts entrepreneurship at the forefront
President Ram Nath Kovind addressed 500 young social entrepreneurs, applauded change makers on the tenth day of Jagriti Yatra.
On the tenth day of Jagriti Yatra, the 15-day entrepreneurial tour, 500 budding social entrepreneurs met Ram Nath Kovind, President of India. At the heart of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the ceremonial hall of the world’s largest democracy, social change makers gathered from across the world.
Speaking on the occasion, the president appreciated the organisers of Jagriti Yatra for linking self-employment opportunities available in the country with the talent of the youth. Noting that there are immense possibilities for our youth, he advocated the need for a conducive environment for young people to generate employment opportunities instead of just looking for jobs. There is a need to bring a change in mindsets of people, and the Jagriti Yatra is making a commendable effort in this direction, he added.
Kovind, who hails from the Paraukh village in the Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh, took keen interest in the Deoria Model, which is Jagriti Yatra’s flagship project. The project, which places Tier II and III cities at the focal point, intends to create employment in the district of Deoria, Gorakhpur city.
He said,
The version of Jagriti Yatra that I have received is very overwhelming. The youth of today’s India are the owners of their ideals and morals. I am extremely happy that the organisation is building itself on the need of employment and the abundant talent. I believe that the young India has the highest potential. We have to create job opportunities, instead of seeking jobs and am confident that the community will be a melting pot of change
He added,
The country will be grateful for the roads paved by the young India. Be aware of change, especially the change that begins with yourself. Ten years is a great deal and I hope that the intent of social innovation, sustainability and employment propagates to more sections of the society.
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Kovind listed the responsibilities and the power the youth of the nation withhold. He particularly highlighted the feat the Yatra has achieved this year: successfully gathering 50 percent of female participation after nine years of constant effort.
He said,
These women have challenged their hurdles to be here and we are proud of them. I am not sure what is the inspiration that Rashtrapati Bhavan can offer you all, but I request all you youngsters to inspire the world beyond this campus.
Shashank Mani, the chairman of Jagriti Seva Sansthan, addressed the gathering, saying,
At the tenth edition of Jagriti Yatra, Tier II and III cities have been the focal point. India, which is now placing itself in the centre with new opportunities, has moved from charity to development. Protesting is important, building is far more important. Mr President has set a great example of a small-town hero, himself, and I hope that each of us is not just a dreamer but also a doer.
On the tenth day, the yatra reached the national capital after making pitstops at Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Bengaluru, Vishakapatnam, Berhampur, and Deoria. The Jagriti Yatra is a 15-day long national train journey that covers 8,000 km across the length and breadth of the country. It aims to create awareness and encourage nation building though building enterprise.
Editor's note: Team Yourstory is at the 10th edition of Jagriti Yatra. We will be bringing a series of daily updates from the 15-day long train journey that traverses 8,000 kilometres across the country.