Modi launches free coaching and AI training for 10 million youth

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized youth empowerment in his Independence Day speech on Saturday, announcing initiatives aimed at engaging the younger population. He unveiled plans to offer free online coaching for competitive exams and pledged to train 10 million young people in artificial intelligence within the next year.

This focus on youth comes at a critical time for Modi, as he faces increasing scrutiny over his Hindu nationalist policies. Recent protests led by young activists have highlighted widespread discontent with his government, particularly among students and job seekers who feel marginalized. The timing of Modi’s promises seems aimed at addressing these concerns and rallying support from younger voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Modi's proposals are part of a broader strategy to harness the potential of India's demographic dividend, with nearly half of the country’s population under the age of 25. By investing in education and technological skills, the government hopes to reduce unemployment and foster innovation among the youth. Critics, however, remain skeptical about the implementation of these initiatives and whether they can genuinely address the challenges facing young Indians today.

Looking ahead, how Modi’s government follows through on these commitments will be crucial. If successful, these initiatives could help rebuild trust among the youth and mitigate the growing backlash against his administration. Failure to deliver on these promises, however, might deepen the divide between young voters and the ruling party, potentially influencing the political landscape in the months to come.