On February 8-9, 2014, the Jaipuria Institute of Management and the National Human Resource Development Network (NHRDN), along with knowledge partner, NEN, organized the two-day National Conference on Youth 2025: Harnessing India’s Demographic Dividend. The event was designed to position youth to become more viable as future employees while also strategically harnessing and unlocking the potential of youths within India.

The conference was attended by more than 450 students from across the region and also included faculty members from 24 institutes, NITs, and universities. The conference also boasted prominent speakers from all walks of life, including academics, business leaders, and leaders in civil disciplines. Given the enormity and popularity of the conference, more than 20 sponsors also lent their support to the proceedings.

The two-day conference kicked off on February 8 with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and saraswati vandana. This was then followed by several speakers, including Shri Sharad, Chairman of the Jaipuria Institute of Management, and Dr. Pankaj Gupta, Director General of the institute, who welcomed the attendees and opened the conference in high style. The inaugural address was presented by Dr. Anurag Thakur, a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha and the president of the National BJP Youth Wing. As the chief guest of honor, Dr. Thakur challenged the attendees to not waste time thinking about their destiny; rather, Dr. Thakur stated, they should work hard to make their destinies happen.

The rest of the first day of the conference covered various sessions on youth being the key drivers for change. These sessions highlighted the opportunities and challenges that were faced by India’s youth and included a Youth Icon speaker session and a student presentation session. The Youth Icon session welcomed Shri Sarath Babu, CEO of Food King and a 2008 MTV youth icon and alumni of IIMA. His rags-to-riches story provided an example to the attendees of what can happen when you work hard to achieve your dreams.

After a day filled with speakers and various informational panels, the evening brought a gala cultural celebration that mixed comedy, music, and fun together to create a memorable event for all involved. Renowned singer Deepika T enthralled the audience with her performance, and a student talent show showed the creativity and innovation of those who were in attendance. In all, it was an extremely special night.

The second day of the conference dawned with even more speakers who informed and entertained the attendees. Taking up the mantle of the first day, the speakers challenged the youth of India to rise to the occasion presented to them. As the conference came to its conclusion, it was a theme that the attendees would not soon forget.

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