Why India’s youth need to be nationalist
Why they need to preserve India’s ancient culture and be proud of the glorious heritage that India has
We live in an era where the world fits into our smart phones. For a young Indian today, it is easier than ever to adopt global trends, listen to international music, and dream of a life in a foreign city. While being a global citizen is great, in this fast-paced race to modernize, we are slowly losing our grip on something deeply important: our own identity. For the youth of India, developing a strong sense of nationalism and preserving our ancient culture is no longer just an option; it is a necessity.
Nationalism is often misunderstood as just waving a flag on Independence Day. In reality, it is a deep, emotional connection to your roots. India has the largest youth population in the world. If this generation does not feel a sense of belonging and duty toward the nation, who will build its future? Nationalism gives young people a reason to stay, innovate, and solve local problems rather than taking their talents abroad. It creates a mindset where building the country becomes a personal goal, not just the government’s job.
To feel this connection, the youth must look back at India’s glorious heritage. We are not just a developing economy; we are one of the oldest, most advanced civilizations in human history. Long before the modern world discovered science and medicine, our ancestors were pioneers. From the concept of zero and the decimal system to the medical science of Ayurveda and the architectural miracles of ancient temples, India’s contributions to human progress are unmatched.
Being proud of this heritage is not about living in the past. It is about self-belief. When young Indians realize that they carry the DNA of scholars, astronomers, and philosophers who mapped the stars and wrote the Vedas, they gain the confidence to lead the world today. It reminds them that innovation and brilliance are already in their blood.
Equally important is the preservation of our ancient culture. Indian culture is not just about wearing traditional clothes during Diwali or eating regional food. It is a complete way of life. It teaches us Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. It teaches us sustainability, respecting nature, and finding balance. Today’s youth face unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation. The solutions to many of these modern struggles lie in our ancient practices, like Yoga and meditation, which the rest of the world is now eagerly adopting. If we do not value and preserve these traditions, they will fade away, or worse, they will be repackaged and sold back to us by the West.
You can speak fluent English, work in a top multinational company, and travel the globe, but your ultimate strength comes from your roots. A tree without deep roots will inevitably fall when a strong storm hits. For the youth of today, India’s ancient culture and nationalist pride are those roots. We must carry our heritage not as a burden of the past, but as our greatest badge of honor for the future.
Shubhra Atreya
Content Writer
IT Department
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
