The theme on ‘Youth and Development’ was launched by DHAN Foundation on 02 October 2010. The theme focuses on bringing youth into the development arena and shaping them as a more vibrant and productive force of the society. Today, India is one of the youngest nations in the world with more than 62% of its population in the working-age group (15-59 years) and more than 54% of its total population are in below 25 years of age.

Its population pyramid is expected to “bulge” across the 15–59 age group over the next decade. It is further estimated that the average age of the population in India by 2020 will be 29 years as against 40 years in the USA, 46 years in Europe, and 47 years in Japan.

In fact, during the next 20 years, the labor force in the industrialized world is expected to decline by 4%, while in India it will increase by 32%. This poses a formidable challenge and a huge opportunity. To reap this demographic dividend which is expected to last for the next 25 years, India needs to equip its workforce with employable skills and knowledge so that they can contribute substantively to the economic growth of the country.

SUHAM – M Health – HCL Foundation

As a part of M-Health Project, SUHAM Trust & HCL Foundation celebrated National Youth Day with the youngsters in and around Keerathurai slum in Madurai. Around 40 Youths and Slum Health Governance members participated in the programme. Each one planted one neem sapling in Keerathurai and Race Course Grounds. Youngsters participated in the drawing and essay writing competitions and the winners were awarded.

On 12th January 2021, Sellur Federation in Madurai, celebrated National Youth Day via organizing Rangoli, Millet Recipe Preparations and Elocution competitions among the Youth and Adolescent groups.