I see two main dangers ahead which we will have to guard against. First is the possibility that our young intellectuals may be influenced by some of the outdated ideas of our tradition. India at present is living in a paradox. It has the most modern political and social institutions in the setting of social backwardness. The possibility of backward-looking people seizing these modern institutions and thwarting social progress cannot be altogether ruled out. If society is to benefit from the use of these institutions in a progressive way, the leadership must remain with men of progressive ideas. The problem of modernisation in India is, to my mind, the problem of having modem leadership. Leadership does not only mean political leadership. That, no doubt, is important, but what will be of greater relevance is the leadership in other walks of life — like education, administration, commerce, and business etc., where there is greater and more intimate involvement of the people. The society expects you to take control of these diverse walks of life. The other danger which I see is of unrestrained impatience coupled with an emotional approach to problems. This can give rise to anti-democratic forces and strengthen divisive tendencies. The recent regional agitations have had their origin in such a setting. Let us try to understand and appreciate that every change in the political institutions has to pay its social cost. In India we have pledged to surrender our regional and caste loyalties to the national interests. This demands a readjustment of our loyalties. The greatest handicap that the country faces today is that our aspirations have lost the national character they had during the days of our independence struggle. We look upon national problems from a parochial point of view. It is for the young intellectuals to see the problem in their proper national perspective before seeking their solution.
The political stability of a democratic state presupposes the development of a political culture and a commitment to it by the people. On it depends the political behaviour of the people. Equality, individual freedom, secularism and uncompromising faith in the rule of law are the constituent principles of our political philosophy. This is a big responsibility on your young shoulders. But unless you have an abiding faith in these values, you cannot have a feeling of commitment to the democratic way of life.
The Indian youth today has to carry on the long trek for social and political change that began decades ago. You would have a better start than the generation before, because our dream of improving the living standards in the four corners of the country has been realised, though only partially. Now it is your turn to work devotedly, with a passion and in unison to realise this dream in its fulness for your millions of brothem. It will be with full faith in your ability that the older generation shall leave the destiny of the country in your hands.
