Life Skill Based Education for Youth in India

Abstract

India being the youngest nation of the world, this demographic dividend has raised high
expectations in regard to the youth’s meaningful participation in socio-political process; particularly
civic engagement. The demographic dividend of youth with diverse needs and almost total absence of
educational and skill development opportunities for them makes the youth education a most significant
challenge at the present time. Youth is overburdened by a education system which is not much
meaningful for them. The present education system does not align with the holistic approach towards
understanding young people’s lives.
As the young people step into the threshold of the external world, they are increasingly influenced by
their peers and by adults other than their parents. They begin to explore and experiment intellectually,
ingeniously and socially through various activities. To support them in this sensitive and tender stage,
they need to develop life skills- skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, critical thinking, decision
making and communication. This would help them develop self-esteem, self-confidence, assertiveness,
ability to work in teams and resolve conflicts in a rational manner. Life skills program should be an
integral part of the education system in order to transmit the accumulated resources of our cultural
heritage to each new generation.
Youth has all the potential. Let us all provide rational education support to them so that they keep on
growing in their knowledge and understanding and keep making a difference to the nation and to the
world. Then they should be fully empowered to lead India into the future.
Keywords: Life Skill Based Education, Youth in India