India, China must channelise youth energy for rapid growth: President Patil

New Delhi, Feb 27 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Monday said that India and China must channelise the energy of their youth for rapid growth of both nations.

Addressing a Chinese youth delegation led by Luo Mei, Secretary, Secretariat, Central Committee, Communist Youth League of China at Rashtrapati Bhawan, Patil said: " "This demographic division has contributed immensely to the efforts that our countries are putting towards achieving developmental aspirations. I am of the view that the more that we do towards channelising the energy of our youth, the faster would be our growth."

She also highlighted the significance of youth in achieving the desired goals for progress of the country.

"In today's contemporary world, it is very important that young minds from both countries familiarise themselves with our shared history and our commonalities and with our opportunities and challenges in this modern world," she said.

"The youth of the two countries should travel to the different places in each other's countries, understand each others culture and traditions; share with each other, their ideas and experiences; identify areas of cooperation and together act in these areas to create a synergy," she added.

She further observed that the two countries are undoubtedly playing an important global role, but the synergy emanating from their partnership, can make a huge difference in today's world and how we look at the future.

She further said that the visit of Chinese delegates to different parts of India will certainly enrich their experience.

"You have the future responsibility of further strengthening India-China relations, and I am sure that you will carry out this responsibility with utmost care and enthusiasm." She wished the Chinese delegation a pleasurable and memorable stay in India," she added

Patil further stressed on the need for close collaboration between both countries so that they can define the Asian Century.

"India and China as two major Asian countries will play a major role in the realisation of this dream, the content, scope and depth of India-China relationship will to a large extent define the Asian century," she said.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken said that 11th April 2005 was a historic day when the Prime Ministers of both countries made a joint statement about their commitment to exchange a delegation of 100 youth every year.

He further thanked the Chinese Government on the behalf of Government of India for this great initiative and observed that such exchanges have helped both the nations in creating ambassadors for each other. (ANI)