Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said young people should not hesitate to travel abroad to acquire knowledge, but must ensure that their learning and skills are ultimately used for India’s development.
Addressing a youth convention during his two-day visit to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bhagwat said the present generation was deeply patriotic and that strengthening this sentiment would enable greater contributions to the nation.
“Going abroad to gain knowledge is not wrong, but that knowledge should be utilised for India. The contribution of the youth is vital for the country’s progress and in shaping its future,” he said.
Bhagwat noted that thousands of volunteers had worked with the RSS over the past century to ensure that knowledge and skills were applied in the national interest. Emphasising the organisation’s social role, he said the Sangh was neither in competition with nor opposed to anyone.
“The Sangh is neither in competition with nor opposed to anyone. Its sole objective is to build a strong and harmonious society,” he said, appealing to the youth to actively participate in this collective effort.
The convention was organised at the Manthan auditorium of MIT College as part of activities marking the RSS centenary year. Bhagwat also interacted with participants and responded to their questions.
Also read: Bhagwat casts vote in Nagpur Municipal Corporation polls
Overseas migration from India remains high
India continues to witness large-scale overseas migration, with hundreds of thousands of citizens leaving the country annually for employment. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, emigration clearances for Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport holders stood at 398,317 in 2023 and 348,629 up to November 2024, with full-year estimates ranging between 400,000 and 500,000.
When broader categories, including skilled professionals, are considered, recent estimates place India’s annual overseas outflow close to 700,000 people. The Indian diaspora stock reached around 18.5 million in 2024, making it the world’s largest overseas population.
Return migration data remains limited due to the absence of comprehensive tracking mechanisms, though global estimates indicate that India’s net migration continues to be negative. United Nations and World Bank figures suggest a net migration of minus 630,830 in 2024, reflecting higher outflows than returns.
While many low and semi-skilled workers return after completing two-to-five-year contracts, particularly in Gulf countries, skilled migrants tend to stay abroad longer, driven by professional opportunities and economic considerations.
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