As the calendar page turns, and 2024 dawns, the hopes and the goals of today’s youngsters for the coming year illuminate a road of personal growth, perseverance, and self-discovery. In the spirit of Youth Day on 12 January, this special segment shares young voices from across the country and their hopes and dreams for 2024. From self-improvement journeys to facing the hurdles of new beginnings, these stories provide a vivid picture of youthful optimism and tenacity, revealing the diverse goals that will shape the fabric of the coming year.

“In the upcoming year, my aspirations as a student are oriented towards personal and academic development. Beyond academic development, my main dream is to better myself, for myself, doing things that will benefit me, and no one else. With the New Year approaching fast, I am dedicated to enjoying the remaining few days by prioritizing myself and my close ones. And instead of setting New Year goals, I will go with the flow, taking the pressure off of me. My only aim for the New Year is making most of the days, and enjoying it.”
BAVANA VINOD THALATHOTI (21) / Maharashtra

“Winter is the time when old leaves fall out making room for the new ones; it’s the time when animals hibernate, preparing themselves for a new summer. The New Year falls in this season, bidding farewell to the past and celebrating what’s yet to come with hope and laughter. This year has been a rollercoaster ride for me — new city, new faces, taking a small step towards my big dreams. I faltered at times, my instinctive fear holding me back from putting myself out there in the world. Setting resolutions have never worked out for me, so this year I am going to go with the flow, keeping my eyes wide open for the opportunities coming my way and letting go of the things that are holding me back. This year I will focus on gracefully letting go of the things that are holding me back and working towards my betterment.”
SHARANYA SUNIL NAIR (20) / Gujarat

“My hopes and dreams for 2024 would be to improve and explore new opportunities for myself. Since I’m a student and a freelancer, I would like to improve my camera and directional skills to showcase and improve my content. I would like to improve on my priorities so that I can create an environment where I have a work-life balance to ensure that I don’t feel burnt out and miss out on important experiences and events which could help me personally and professionally. Lastly, my only dream and goal is to give back to my parents and relate with their goals and dreams as they have given me the opportunity to explore and take my dream profession and career.”
NIHAL KONDUR (21) / Kerala

“A New Year is forever; it keeps coming year after year, and so do my new dreams. There have been so many dreams for me to fulfil, and I take resolution and fail to meet them. But this time, I am not the same anymore. My goal for 2024 is not about getting a good job or being productive. It’s about making myself healthy and confident. 2023 has been a hell of a ride. So many changes in my life have happened, wherein I failed to look after my physical and mental health, which has put me down in many ways. This time, I am not going to give up. I am going to prioritise my mental and physical health, and I am not going to compromise on my health anymore. Eating clean food and exercising for at least an hour will be my compulsory activity here on. Hopefully, this year will be a kickstart for my activeness to control and grow my body and health.”
VINISHAA N. D. (21) / Tamil Nadu

Approaching the New Year, I stand at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation. My heart echoes with the whispers of hopes, and dreams unfold like a story waiting to be written. In the tapestry of the coming 365 days, I see a journey of growth and resilience. Resolutions become the guiding compass, pointing me towards the uncharted territories of self-discovery. As the clock ticks down, each second resonates with the promise of a fresh start. With open arms, I welcome the unknown, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that will follow. Here’s to a new chapter, a canvas yet untouched, and the adventures that lie ahead.
RITIKA MITRA (20) / Kolkata

Excitement fills my heart as the New Year approaches. Hopes and dreams bloom in the garden of possibilities. Standing at the threshold of 365 days, I see a canvas for resilience, joy, and growth. Embracing the unknown, I envision a personal metamorphosis. Challenges may come, but my spirit remains undaunted. With each tick of the clock, aspirations harmonize with the universe. The forthcoming year is a blank chapter, and I am the author, penning a saga of purpose and new beginnings.
BHAVYA GIRISH (21) / Karnataka

The post Navigating New Beginnings: Voices of Hope for the Coming Year appeared first on The Teenager Today.

National Youth Day is celebrated in India on 12 January to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand (thinker, philosopher and social activist). The youth play a vital role in the development of any country.

There is tremendous power in the youth to change the world and make it a better place to live in. Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight to ensure that all children, including girls, have the right to education. She believed that “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world”. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, started the movement Fridays for Future (skipping school on Fridays) to urge world leaders to take immediate action against climate change. These youth icons have shown us that the youth can make small steps to bring about big changes in the world.

President APJ Abdul Kalam believed that the youth have an indomitable spirit and can achieve any goal they put their mind to. He shared how the ignited minds of the youth can lead lives full of purpose so that the world we live in can develop and prosper.

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In 1984, the Government of India declared that National Youth Day would be celebrated every year on 12 January, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda. National Youth Day is celebrated to focus on the development and protection of youth in society. The Government announced, “The philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for Indian Youth Day.”

Youth are the backbone of any nation. They are the pillars of strength that contribute to national growth. National Youth Day is observed all over India in schools and colleges with processions, speeches, music, youth conventions, seminars, presentations, competitions, recitations and sports. Swami Vivekananda’s writings and speeches are presented by youngsters to motivate and encourage themselves. The day is observed to inspire young people to follow in Swami Vivekananda’s footsteps and adopt his ideals and way of life. It is an excellent method to reawaken the inexhaustible vitality of youngsters while also advancing the development of the nation. The final aim is to have a country full of responsible youngsters.

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