CRPF DG Gyanendra Pratap Singh at IIM Rohtak: “India’s Youth Will Decide the Nation’s Direction”
On November 21, 2025, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), delivered an inspiring address at the 17th Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak. His message resonated with over 1,500 students, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of India.
The Power of Youth
Singh articulated a clear and powerful message: the youth of India are the future, and their potential can significantly alter the trajectory of the nation. He connected individual values such as honesty, trust, and responsibility with national initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and the ambitious vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
This acknowledgment of the youth’s power by a senior security official marks a significant shift in the national discourse, moving the focus from traditional security concerns to education, civic engagement, and values. Singh’s emphasis on respect for teachers, parents, and marginalized communities underscores the importance of social integration as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Encouraging Productive Engagement
During his address, Singh urged students to channel their energies into constructive avenues such as:
- Entrepreneurship
- Skill-building
- Public service
- Ethical leadership
He stressed that these initiatives are vital contributors to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to foster self-reliance in various sectors including manufacturing, technology, and services.
Connecting Campus Learning with National Goals
Singh praised IIM Rohtak for emerging as one of India’s leading management institutions and highlighted the crucial role its students will play in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He presented a pragmatic plan for students: develop skills, embody integrity as a leadership quality, and apply those skills for societal betterment. This approach aligns with Singh’s previous public statements advocating for education and employment as alternatives to violence.
Who is Gyanendra Pratap Singh?
To fully appreciate Singh’s message, it is essential to understand his background. Gyanendra Pratap Singh is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1991 batch, hailing from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He took on the role of DG of the CRPF in early 2025. His career encompasses significant experience in internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and leadership roles within various institutions.
Singh firmly believes that secure societies are those that empower, engage, and employ their youth. His advocacy for education and civic participation indicates a broader understanding of security, which extends beyond military and political stability to encompass social and economic resilience.
The Importance of Education and Civic Engagement
Singh’s emphasis on education and civic engagement highlights a critical aspect of national development. With India’s youthful population, often referred to as a demographic dividend, the country stands at a crossroads. If harnessed effectively through education, employment, and active civic participation, this demographic can propel India towards becoming one of the largest economies in the world. Conversely, failure to engage this youth could lead to instability.
Conclusion
Gyanendra Pratap Singh’s address at IIM Rohtak serves as a clarion call for the youth of India. It emphasizes the need for young individuals to take charge of their futures and contribute positively to the nation. By fostering qualities such as integrity and responsibility, and by engaging in productive endeavors, the youth can indeed shape the direction of India. As the nation moves towards its goals of self-reliance and development, the onus lies on the younger generation to rise to the occasion.
Note: The insights shared by Gyanendra Pratap Singh reflect a growing recognition of the role that youth play in national development and security, urging them to engage actively in shaping their future.
