Punjab Youth Leadership Training Programme aims to steer youngsters away from drugs & prepare them for entrepreneurship: Arvind Kejriwal

117 youth were trained during a 3-day Youth Leadership Programme in Punjab; Arvind Kejriwal joins online to inspire them

Each trained group of 21 members will ensure drugs are neither sold in villages & wards nor consumed by youth—those addicted will be taken to de-addiction centres: Arvind Kejriwal

Our mission is to prepare Punjab’s youth not to seek jobs, but to become job creators: Arvind Kejriwal

If this programme succeeds, it will become model for entire country & transform Indian politics forever: Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI:

With a vision rooted in hope, empowerment, and national transformation, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday addressed the Punjab Youth Club Leadership Training Program, urging young Indians to lead the charge against drug abuse and unemployment.

Speaking online from his Delhi residence, the AAP Supremo described the initiative as a game-changer—one that will not only steer youth away from addiction but also train them to become entrepreneurs and changemakers. “This program,” he said, “will produce job creators, not job seekers—and once it succeeds in Punjab, it will become a model for the entire nation and redefine Indian politics.”

During his address, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “This work we are beginning in Punjab is a major experiment. If it succeeds, it can change Indian politics. Today, we have resolved that if in the next two to three months, we succeed in connecting 3.5 lakh youth to the movement and instil passion in them, these 3.5 lakh young people will together transform the future of 3.5 crore Punjabis.”

Criticising the pre-existing governance model, Arvind Kejriwal said that in traditional politics, elections are held once every five years and governments, once elected, “sit in air-conditioned rooms and indulge in corruption.” In contrast, he said AAP is preparing the ground for a participatory, mission-driven model of governance.

The AAP Chief pointed out, “Today, 117 individuals have undergone a three-day training. Before this training, these 117 people held meetings with youth in 1,600 villages. Only those who successfully conducted these meetings were invited for this training. Now, these 117 will be responsible for appointing coordinators in all 17,000 wards and villages. These coordinators, in turn, will form 21-member committees in their respective areas.”

He cautioned that while AAP is in government in Punjab, committee membership must not be seen as a channel for personal gain. “Those wishing to become committee members must not think that doing so will automatically get their work done. Only those with a deep passion to transform Punjab should be chosen. This is a massive mission and we must select people very carefully. If we choose the right people, no one can stop us from transforming Punjab,” said the AAP Head.

Detailing the responsibilities of these committees, Arvind Kejriwal emphasised their role in leading grassroots development and tackling the drug menace that has plagued the state. “Our primary goal through this campaign is to assign responsibility to each 21-member committee for its local area. These members will do several things. First, they will eliminate drugs from their villages and neighbourhoods. Under no circumstance should drugs be allowed to be sold. These brave youth will be inspired by Bhagat Singh,” he noted.

“Second, the committee must prepare a list of children in their area who consume drugs. Those who need treatment should be sent to de-addiction centres. Those who don’t require medical intervention should be taken to oath centres. In short, the goal is to help people escape addiction,” said Arvind Kejriwal.

Highlighting AAP’s experience in Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal spoke about how government school students were empowered through entrepreneurship. “In Delhi, during AAP’s 10-year rule, we introduced a course in Classes 11 and 12 in government schools that taught children how to do business. Teams of 5-10 students were formed, and the government gave them seed funding. The students would then start businesses based on their ideas. After completing Class 12, students would say, ‘I will not be a job-seeker; I will be a job-giver.’ We must instil the same spirit in every youth in Punjab.”

“Business is in the blood of Punjabis. Go anywhere in the world and you’ll find a Punjabi shop in some corner of the locality. They are born entrepreneurs,” highlighted the AAP Supremo.

He said the Punjab government will now prepare youth for entrepreneurship and train them in business. “In the Budget presented by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in the Assembly, funds have been sanctioned to build world-class sports grounds in every village. The youth clubs will be responsible for connecting every child with their club. These youth clubs must not remain limited to 3.5 lakh youth — they must reach every child and bring them into sports.”

Arvind Kejriwal further said, “Every village will receive sports equipment. Children will also be trained in dance, music, and other cultural activities. Youth festivals will be organised.”

Underscoring the long-term vision, he said that each 21-member committee must be ready to work for the all-round development of their village. “What CM Bhagwant Mann said about Bhagat Singh is deeply inspiring. I request Bhagwant Mann to make a 15–30 minute video on Bhagat Singh’s life. If we can get that video to every youth’s phone, we can mentally prepare them to take responsibility for Punjab. If we succeed in this mission, it will become a model for the entire country — a model showing how youth can be mobilised for the development of their village, state, and nation,” concluded Arvind Kejriwal.