Relationship between Aspirations and Personal, Psychological and Socio-Economic Characteristics of Rural Youth in India

Abstract

Youth have the drive, optimism, and vision to get things done and make a positive difference in the realm of rural development. In context of India, almost two-thirds of the country’s population is under the age of 35. According to the 2023 Census, the India's youth population, including adolescents, is around 550 million. This pool of young people will play a critical role in determining the country's fate. The rise in the youth population has made India the world's youngest country and one of the top in terms of human resource. It is critical to capitalize on this demographic dividend and channel the youth's potential toward country's development. After finishing their studies, rural youth in developing countries refuses to return to their villages to make an effective contribution to the development of rural areas and communities where they live, but instead migrate to urban areas. This is due to a variety of obstacles such as a lack of income and employment, poor infrastructure, limited opportunities for further professional growth, an impaired social life, an impoverished and undeveloped infrastructure. However, confronting and resolving these issues necessitates the commitment, support, and enthusiasm of youth to make a contribution with full potential to rural development. Engaging young people in rural development should be one of the primary goals of rural development policies, and rural development strategies should be based on this goal.