With youth power playing a significant role in its return to power, the Congress-led government today promised to invest in the hopes of young people and said the next ten years will be dedicated as the 'Decade of Innovation' to address "our many challenges".  

 

Outlining the government's plans, President Pratibha Patil said it will ensure that its policies for education and science and technology are imbued with a spirit of innovation so that the creativity of a billion people is unleashed.  "The next ten years would be dedicated as a Decade of Innovation. It may be a symbolic gesture but an important gesture to drive home the need to be innovative in finding solutions to our many challenges," Patil said addressing a joint sitting of both the houses of Parliament.  

 

In the present times, she said, creativity, innovation and enterprise hold the key to people and nations realising their potential.  "The 'dreary desert sand of dead habit' must be left behind. Our young people are tearing down the narrow domestic walls of religion, region, language, caste, and gender that confine them. The nation must invest in their hope," she said.  

 

Noting that country's young population is "naturally restless and wants to see change quickly", she said her government "carries the weight of their dreams".  "Together let us dedicate ourselves to making each day of the next five years, a day closer to the realization of their dreams," she added.