Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan on Tuesday urged young people to look beyond social media scrolling, use technology to create opportunities and take pride in their roots, saying India’s youth were its present, not just its future. Speaking at the TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards 2026 in Lucknow, he also highlighted Uttar Pradesh‘s changing business environment and called on youngsters to build skills and contribute to the state’s growth.“People say youth are the future, I say youth are the present,” Kishan said, pointing to India’s large young population as a major strength. He encouraged young people to draw inspiration from his own journey, which he said had been shaped by struggles and opportunities rather than the backing of an influential mentor.“Look at me, without any godfather, without any help, standing before you… If that person can do it, then you can do it too,” he said.Kishan urged youngsters to use their mobile phones not merely for consuming content but also to create, earn and communicate ideas that could benefit their communities and the country.“You have the mobile. Instead of just scrolling and keeping it aside, use it to think how to create from it and earn,” he said, asking young people to consider how they could use technology to contribute to their regions and society.Recounting his journey in the entertainment industry, Kishan spoke about the difficult period before a Bhojpuri film changed his fortunes. He said his experiences working with established filmmakers had helped him learn the craft, while his work in Bhojpuri cinema had also contributed to employment in the industry.He said he had never felt ashamed of his cultural identity and urged young people to treat their roots as a source of confidence.“Never forgot or got ashamed of my culture, my identity. I was proud of it and that was my strength,” he said, encouraging youngsters to believe in themselves and remain focused on what they wanted to achieve.Kishan also highlighted the potential of India’s entertainment industry to create opportunities beyond acting. He urged young people to explore careers in theatre, cinema, television, OTT platforms and short-form video, pointing to areas such as editing, music, screenwriting, set design and cinematography as avenues for employment in Uttar Pradesh.Referring to the international recognition of Indian cinema, he cited Laapataa Ladies, which was selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards, as an example of Indian storytelling reaching a global audience.Kishan also spoke about Uttar Pradesh’s transformation, contrasting its earlier image as a “BIMARU” state with its aspirations for economic growth, improved infrastructure and greater investment under chief minister Yogi Adityanath.Praising the chief minister’s work, he pointed to improvements in infrastructure, connectivity and law and order, saying these could help create a more conducive environment for businesses and employment.He said the state needed to ensure that young people could find opportunities at home rather than having to move elsewhere for work. Retaining local talent, he suggested, would be important as Uttar Pradesh sought to expand its industrial and economic base.“My appeal to youth: be proud you’re from UP,” he said, emphasising the importance of skills and talent in preparing young people for emerging opportunities.Kishan also highlighted India’s demographic advantage, noting that several countries were dealing with ageing populations while India had a large pool of young people capable of driving growth.With artificial intelligence and digital technologies opening up new possibilities, he urged youngsters to develop relevant skills, identify their strengths and approach their careers with a clear sense of purpose.“UP will grow more, because global investors are eyeing UP,” he said, expressing confidence in the state’s future prospects.“I will only say this to youth, make sure to give your life a motto,” Kishan added.The TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards 2026, UP Chapter, is being held in Lucknow on October 27 to recognise young achievers and changemakers across enterprise, sports, society, culture and social media. The summit features discussions on Uttar Pradesh’s transformation, including employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, safety and connectivity, alongside addresses and sessions with public figures, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
