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By – Jawahar Mishra
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Highlights – India is called a country of youth. More than 65 percent of India’s population is young and PM Modi has been successful in understanding the issues of the youth population. At the same time, he is also an inspiration for the youth. As a result, he has been the Prime Minister of the country for 11 years. This is why PM Modi is called a youth icon.
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India has the youngest population in the world. Over 65% of the population is under the age of 35, and approximately 220 million young people fall in the 18-29 age group. Consequently, the support of youth is crucial for any leader. Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only won over this large segment of the population but also made them active participants in building a new India.
On September 17th, PM Narendra Modi turns 75. His age seems like just a number compared to his enthusiasm and energy. Let’s explore 10 reasons why PM Modi has become a major inspiration and icon for the youth.
1. The Image of Strong and Confident Leadership
Before 2014, Indian politics had developed a reputation for indecisiveness. After Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, young people saw for the first time that a leader was unwavering in taking bold and bold decisions. Be it demonetization, the implementation of GST, or the recent changes in GST rates in the public interest. Whether it’s Abhinandan’s release, the surgical strike, or decisive steps like Operation Sindoor, or the recent tariffs imposed by the US, Modi hasn’t been shaken. He continues to work calmly. The country’s youth seek this courage and confidence in leadership.
2. Journey from Struggle to Success
Indian youth are fascinated by Narendra Modi’s stories of struggle and hustle. Modi had a humble childhood, helping his father at his tea stall, but today he is considered one of the world’s most powerful leaders. According to the Forbes 2024 list, Modi is among the top 10 most influential leaders in the world. This journey gives young people confidence that hard work, vision, and dedication can make the impossible possible.
3. Digital and Technology-Friendly Thinking
The Modi government played a key role in promoting the internet revolution in India. Since the Digital India (2015) program, more than 800 million people have adopted digital payments. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) set a record for the highest number of digital transactions in the world. In 2024, more than 12 billion UPI transactions were processed every month. Modi himself is active on social media. As of September 2025, he has 109 million followers on Twitter (X) and over 51 million followers on Facebook, making him one of the most followed politicians in the world. He is active on every social media platform. Needless to say, young people are the biggest users of social media.
4. Startup India and New Avenues for Employment
Since the Startup India campaign launched in 2016, more than 1.2 lakh startups have been registered. Many of these have become unicorns (valued at $1 billion). Today, youth are no longer just job seekers, but are becoming job creators. The policies of the Modi government played a decisive role in this transformation.
5. Combining Nationalism and Youth Spirit
Young people are always filled with enthusiasm and passion. Modi combined this energy with nationalism. After the 2019 Balakot airstrike, a surge of patriotism among the youth was clearly visible in his support. Today, youth want a strong India, and Modi’s policies have given them the confidence that India is no longer a weak link but a global power.
6. Personality and Oratory
A leader’s personality has a profound impact on youth. Modi’s attire, communication style, and the energy of his speeches make him special. When he begins any meeting with the local language, everyone, young and otherwise, begins to like him. The Mann Ki Baat program (since 2014) has directly connected millions of youth with him. PM Modi has been hosting Mann Ki Baat episodes on the last Sunday of every month, which 95% of the people in his district have listened to in some form or another. His public meetings are not solely dependent on the media; he has been using his own platform to connect with his supporters.
7. Sports and Fitness Icon
Connecting youth with fitness and sports has been a key initiative of Modi’s.
The Fit India Movement (2019) inspired millions of youth.
International Yoga Day (2015) is today celebrated in more than 190 countries.
He has met with athletes on various platforms and encouraged them. Personal meetings and conversations with Olympic and Asian Games medal winners became a source of motivation for the youth.
8. Skill India and Employment Opportunities.
Employment is the biggest challenge facing India’s youth. The government has taken several steps to address this. More than 15 million youth have received training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) so far. More than 440 million loans were disbursed under the Mudra Yojana (2015), of which 68% were women and youth. This data shows that the Modi government has worked to provide youth with concrete opportunities, not just “talks.”
9. Public Appeal of Communication
Young people need leaders who speak their language. Modi uses not only Hindi, English, and Gujarati, but also social media slang at times. His rallies and speeches have tremendous reach. Whenever he is in public, it is difficult to estimate the number of listeners. People engage with him on his own social media accounts, and he also has a live presence on the party’s accounts.
10. Improving India’s Global Image
Modi has placed India firmly on the global map.
In 2023, India hosted the G20 Summit, a historic moment in the country’s diplomacy.
His presence on platforms like the UN, BRICS, and QUAD has made Indian youth proud.
According to a Pew Research Survey released in 2024, 60% of Indian youth believe that India’s global image has improved under Modi’s rule.
It is clear that PM Modi is not just a politician, but an established role model for the youth. His energy, national vision, digital thinking, focus on employment and skills, and strategy to make India a global power have made him a favorite among the youth. Even at the age of 75, his activism and commitment prove that true strength lies not in age, but in dreams and action.
