Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth in various government departments and organisations, addressing them via videoconferencing during the Rozgar Mela.

Speaking to the gathering, Modi said today marks the beginning of new responsibilities for the recruits. He urged them to strengthen India’s economy, boost internal security, help build modern infrastructure, and bring meaningful change to people's lives. The sincerity with which they perform their duties, he said, would directly impact India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

Highlighting the central role of youth in nation-building, Modi said, “When young people actively participate in development, the nation rises rapidly on the global stage.” He added that initiatives like Skill India, Startup India, and Digital India are creating opportunities for the youth to showcase their talent and power India’s growth in technology, data, and innovation.

Citing successes such as UPI, ONDC, and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the Prime Minister said India now leads the world in real-time digital transactions, with much of the credit going to young innovators.

Modi also spoke about the recently launched Manufacturing Mission, aimed at boosting 'Make in India' and generating new employment through MSMEs and startups. He said India's economic momentum, acknowledged even by the IMF, will further expand job opportunities across all sectors.

Giving examples, he pointed to record production and exports in the automobile and footwear sectors and noted that Khadi and Village Industries have crossed a turnover of Rs 1.7 trillion, creating millions of rural jobs. In the Inland Water Transport sector too, cargo movement has jumped from 18 million tonnes pre-2014 to 145 million tonnes today, with the number of National Waterways expanding from 5 to over 110.

Looking ahead, Modi said Mumbai will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, which will focus on providing platforms for young creators in media, gaming, and entertainment. He said startups would get the chance to connect with investors and global leaders, and youth will have exposure to AI, XR, and immersive technologies.

Praising the rising participation of women, Modi pointed out that women topped the recent UPSC results and now lead in fields ranging from bureaucracy to science and space. He said initiatives like Self-Help Groups, Drone Didis, and the Mudra Yojana have empowered millions of women, and the government has boosted funding to these groups fivefold, providing loans up to Rs 2 million without collateral.

Addressing the recruits, Modi stressed that their hard work had earned them these positions and urged them to dedicate themselves to public service. “When you work with the spirit of service, your efforts become a guiding force for the nation,” he said, encouraging them to also take part in campaigns like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ to promote environmental awareness.

As International Yoga Day approaches, Modi urged the recruits to commit to good health, noting that fitness is essential not just for personal wellbeing but also for national productivity. He called on them to use initiatives like Mission Karmayogi to enhance their skills and to always remember the mantra 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' — treating citizens' service as a sacred duty.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said he was confident the youth, with sincerity and commitment, would help India achieve the dreams of 1.4 billion citizens and emerge as a developed, prosperous nation.