metro india news  I mumbai

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President and MLA KT Rama Rao drew parallels between India’s restless youth and recent events in Nepal. He pointed to the Gen Z-led protests in Nepal, which began as small demonstrations but snowballed into a movement that toppled the government. ‘A Nepal-like Gen Z protest could happen in India if governments fail to address the aspirations of the people,’ KTR warned at the ‘NDTV Yuva 2025 – The Mumbai Chapter’ conference on Saturday.

KTR urged the government to seriously engage with the aspirations of the country’s youth, warning that continued neglect could spark public movements against the ruling leadership. He emphasized the risks of ignoring their potential and the lessons policymakers must draw from global youth movements.

He urged Indian leaders to listen to the voices of young people, who comprise over 65% of the nation’s population under 35, to prevent unrest and channel their energy into constructive progress. KTR highlighted how governments often underestimate the power of youth movements, only to be caught off guard when frustration boils over.

Focus on Infrastructure, Innovation, and Development KTR emphasized the need to shift the national focus toward infrastructure, innovation, and industrial development—rather than divisive issues rooted in religion or cultural identity.

“We must stop being content with comparisons to Pakistan or Bangladesh. The real benchmark should be nations like China, Japan, and the US,” he said. Drawing parallels with China’s economic rise and Japan’s rapid post-war resurgence, KTR questioned why India, despite its immense potential, continues to lag in innovation and industrial growth.

“Japan was devastated by nuclear attacks in 1945 but rebuilt itself in just 23 years to become the world’s third-largest economy. If Japan could do it, why can’t India?” he asked.

He stressed that India’s demographic advantage—the youth dividend—could become a liability if opportunities do not keep pace with aspirations. Invoking Nepal as an example, KTR underscored the need for proactive governance that prioritizes job creation, skills development, and inclusive policies to harness the potential of young Indians.

He recalled how, when the Congress government in Telangana tried to sell 400 acres of forest land, students at Central University fought brilliantly and forced the government to surrender.

He encouraged India’s Gen Z to ‘dream big, dare to challenge the status quo, and do the hard work’ to shape the nation’s future. Drawing from his tenure as a minister in Telangana, where he spearheaded initiatives in technology and urban development, KTR emphasized the transformative role of innovation. He cited Telangana’s efforts to become a hub for startups and IT, illustrating how regional governments can create ecosystems that empower young entrepreneurs and professionals.

KTR pointed out that in 1985, the economies of China and India were almost equal, with China’s per capita income at $300 and India’s at $500. However, 40 years later, while India’s economy reached $4 trillion, China’s had grown to $20 trillion.

“Today, China’s per capita income is $13,000, while ours is only $2,700,” he said. “Everyone should think about how China has surpassed us. While China competes with America and Europe, we are being compared to Pakistan and Bangladesh,” KTR added.

He highlighted initiatives like the T-Hub, India’s largest startup incubator, and the state’s focus on digital governance as models for youth-centric development. These efforts, he argued, demonstrate how technology can be a great equalizer, offering opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds.