india of today is the outcome of the deeds of the elder citizens, India of tomorrow is going to be the creation of today's youth. All our dissatisfaction emanates from what the leaders ofour nation have failed to achieve.
All our hopes are centred on the potentialities of our youth. Fifty years of independence comprising the work and achievements of nearly two generations have not overcome poverty, illiteracy and malnutrition. Will the coming generation be able to break With the legacy of backwardness and discover some ways and means of forging ahead on the path of progress to give India its legitimate place in the comity of nations? India is a young nation. Last year (1998) it completed a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary of Independence.
But more than its duration as an independent nation, it is the composition of its demographic profile which justifies the christening of Indian Nation as young. More than 40% of our population of nearly 100 crore is in the age group of 18 to 35. Human resources of this magnitude if properlynourished, educated and groomed can bring unheard of glory to our country. If we adopt a positive approach in assessing the youth of today, we will be struck by many a pleasant surprise. In some of the walks Of life, which attract attention of the print and electronic media,
Indian youth have done remarkably well and have brought laurels for the country. Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble are rated as world's great cricketers and their action on the cricket ground is watched with excitement by people round the globe. Two of India'sbeauties — Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Roy were crowned Miss Universe and Miss World respectively in 1994. Our Tennis stars- Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupati have won grand slams in doubles championships many times and reached Number One Ranking as doubles pair.
Vishwanathan Anand of India has reigned as World Chess Champion for many years after 2007. In Beijing Olympics 2008, India won 3 medals for the first time — a Gold medal in Shooting by Abhinav Bindra and a Bronze each by Sushil Kumar and Vijender Singh in Wrestling and Boxing respectively. Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza won the World Junoil
Badminton Championship in 2008 and Mixed Doubles Australian Open Championship
