There are more young people in the world than ever before, creating unprecedented potential for economic and social progress. India, besides being the largest democracy, also has the largest youth population in the world. Globalization and liberalization are influencing a slow cultural transition among the youth of today. In this process of transition, they face lots of social, psychological, and behavioral challenges. Young people are innovators, creators, builders, and leaders of the future. They can transform the future only if they have skills, health, decision-making, abilities, and real choices in life.
Youth development in India has long been marred due to a variety of reasons. The youth population is around 375 million (30%) in India as per the 2011 census. As a system, we have limited professionals working (counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers) for youth in the country. Reasons for the shortage are diverse.
The Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka, has identified the need for promotion of overall youth development including mental health, and has collaborated with The Centre for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, NIMHANS in developing and implementing “Yuva Spandana”. NIMHANS with its extensive expertise in developing and implementing large public health programs has helped us in bringing out this innovative program called “Yuva Spandana” for the youth of Karnataka.
I am extremely pleased to see this program grow and take this opportunity to congratulate both the Centre for Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, NIMHANS, and our very own team at the Department of Youth Empowerment and sports, Government of Karnataka. This program is the first of its kind in India and I strongly believe that this pioneering program will pave way for more youth-friendly, youth sensitive, youth-specific, youth-driven population-based services for the overall youth health and development of the country.
