The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of the country, General Anil Chauhan, expressed that each nation progresses at its own pace, and currently, it is India's time to shine, particularly with the youth leading the way. CDS Chauhan conveyed this message to the bright students attending the Late Atul Maheshwari Scholarship Award Ceremony hosted by the Amar Ujala Foundation.
He extended a warm welcome to these talented youths at his residence, emphasizing the significance of leveraging the present independence to propel the nation towards becoming a superpower. Highlighting the crucial role of youth and women in development, CDS Chauhan pointed out that currently, 28.7 percent of the population comprises youth, whose potential can significantly enhance the country's productivity.
He underscored the importance of women's participation in this process, citing examples of women in the Indian Army excelling in various roles, including flying fighter planes and manning submarines. Furthermore, CDS Chauhan stressed the role of imagination and determination in fostering national development. He noted that fundamental imagination, deeply ingrained in the Indian DNA, has historically led to remarkable advancements, such as Aryabhatta's conceptualization of zero.
He drew parallels with ancient knowledge preserved in texts like the Puranas, emphasizing the power of envisioning and realizing innovative ideas. Quoting former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, CDS Chauhan reiterated the notion that dreams should be ambitious enough to drive action, stating that progress requires active pursuit of goals.
Drawing comparisons with Europe's development trajectory post the industrial revolution, he expressed optimism that India could potentially achieve rapid progress in just a few generations, emphasizing the collective effort needed to turn visions into reality.