Gen Z Must Write Freedom’s Next Chapter. This Independence Day, India’s youth must become partners in building a developed, responsible and drug-free nation
By Dr Zora Singh
Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University
Every Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices through which India secured its freedom. For Gen Z—born in the age of smartphones, artificial intelligence and global opportunities—the challenge is different. Its struggle is for freedom from drugs, misinformation, unemployment, social division and dependence on shortcuts.
As India moves towards the centenary of Independence in 2047, today’s students will become its scientists, entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, administrators and leaders. Gen Z will not merely witness Viksit Bharat; it will determine whether that vision becomes a reality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed Yuva Shakti at the centre of nation-building. Initiatives such as MY Bharat, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, Skill India, Startup India, Digital India and Smart India Hackathon are enabling young people to develop skills, present ideas, innovate and volunteer for national causes
However, posting about a problem is not the same as solving it. Gen Z must move from digital expression to community action—from criticism to contribution.
Punjab, which made an extraordinary contribution to India’s freedom struggle, must now lead the fight to free its youth from drugs. Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria’s Nasha Mukt Rangla Punjab campaign has brought educational institutions, religious organisations and communities together. The Punjab Government under Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann has also strengthened the fight through Yudh Nashe De Virudh, sports infrastructure, village playgrounds, skill development, technical education and employment initiatives.
Desh Bhagat University is proud to support this national mission. I was recently honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, for my contribution to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The recognition was presented by Shri Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, Member, National Institute of Social Defence, and Special Invitee, NCCDR.
I regard this honour as recognition of the collective efforts of the entire DBU fraternity. The university has organised awareness campaigns, community outreach programmes, expert sessions and student-led activities through NCC and NSS. We are also promoting counselling, rehabilitation awareness and value-based education.
Our initiatives extend to case-based learning, responsible use of artificial intelligence, industry engagement, skill development, placements, entrepreneurship and community service. Through the Shakti Scholarship, DBU supports meritorious and economically disadvantaged girl students, while the Desh Rakshak Scholarship reflects our commitment to students from border regions.
This Independence Day, I urge every young Indian to take three pledges: remain free from drugs, develop meaningful skills and contribute time to the community.
Patriotism is not limited to raising the Tricolour or posting a message. It is reflected in integrity, hard work, responsible use of technology, rejection of drugs and willingness to serve.
The freedom fighters wrote the first chapter of independent India through courage and sacrifice. The next chapter will be written in our classrooms, laboratories, startups, farms, playgrounds and communities.
The pen is now in the hands of Gen Z. Let it write the story of a Nasha Mukt Bharat, Swasth Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
