PIB News Update: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju attended the VIth BRICS Youth Summit and meeting of BRICS Ministers through a virtual programme, on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rijiju stressed on the importance of the contribution of the youth across the globe in fighting the on-going Coronavirus pandemic.
Citing India’s example at the world forum, Shri Rijiju said, “Even in this grave reality of our world today, we saw; as all else stood still in the world, the Youth, the young men and women carried their people to safety, security and most importantly, to progress and hope, against all odds. In India alone, over a million volunteers have taken action to combat the threat posed directly by COVID-19, and also thereafter, helping to tackle the aftereffects from the pandemic.”
Youth volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), National Service Scheme (NSS), Bharat Scouts and Guides have been in the forefront of war against Covid 19 across India, working alongside civil administrations, helping the elderly and the poor to cope with the pandemic and donating blood and plasma to Covid patients. The initiatives of Indian volunteers was richly appreciated by all.
Speaking about the need to galvanize the strength and support of all BRICS nations to further the common goals of assimilating ‘volunteering’ into peace and development and beyond, Shri Rijiju said, “Indeed we stand firmly together with a renewed commitment as BRICS nations. Our energy rejuvenated, with the common challenges and so also the common resolutions we must arrive at, to support global and regional needs, in health education, culture, art, so also trade and beyond.” He also stressed on the need to create a robust infrastructure for the development of volunteerism, which he said, “will prove critical to our endeavors as BRICS nations, going forward.”
Closing his address, Shri Rijiju said, “India is committed to taking forward the commitment and ideas of BRICS laid down by our Prime Minister during BRICS Leaders Summit held from time to time. I again reiterate our commitment to world peace and harmony and engagement of youth in service to mankind.”