Mumbai: On National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti (12 January), a United Nations report informs that half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this figure is expected to reach 57 per cent by the end of 2030. This survey itself underscores why the concerns of the youth must be amplified in policy-making and also storytelling. This National Youth Day, watch stories that take you into the heart of the aspirations, challenges, dreams and hopes of the young.

Sir Sir Sarla  (teleplay)

This Zee Theatre teleplay is as much a coming-of-age tale about young love as about the clash between fantasy and reality. The story explores the feelings that Sarla, a naive student harbours for her professor. Though professor Palekar and she share an unspoken affinity for each other, the much older professor is unable to come to terms with his own feelings and steers Sarla towards a loveless marriage. The third angle of this story is his other student Phanidhar who admires the professor and resents him for the role he has played in his life by pushing Sarla away. Years later, when the three meet again, suppressed emotions bubble to the surface and Professor Palekar realises to what extent he has meddled with two young lives. Filmed by Suman Mukhopadhyay, this Makrand Deshpande teleplay stars him as the professor with Aahana Kumra,  Sanjay Dadhich  and Anjum Sharma.

12th Fail (film)

This biographical drama produced, written and directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra is like a huge dollop of inspiration for every young person who is struggling to break the cycle of poverty. Based on Anurag Pathak's book about Manoj Kumar Sharma who overcame  countless setbacks to become an Indian Police Service officer, the film shows how a student from a marginalized section of society manages to succeed. The film stars Vikrant Massey in the title role, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee. This true story of  grit and resilience revolves around not just Manoj  but an examination system that is loaded against students from poor backgrounds. That Manoj still manages to crack a tough competitive exam like UPSC shows that the young can achieve any dream if they do not give up.  

Jawaan (film)

This massy high-octane action thriller is also a wake up call for the youth as it exhorts them to be aware of ground realities and do something positive for the country. Its protagonist who was born in a jail is named 'Azaad' to denote the unconquerable nature of the human spirit. He grows into a man with a mission and brings the nation's attention to its invisibilized citizens including debt ridden farmers, doctors in under-equipped hospitals among others. He also appeals to citizens to vote for the betterment of the country and its democracy. Much like 'Rang De Basanti', this film is a call for change and has struck a chord with the youth of the country.

Directed by Atlee, the film stars Shah Rukh Khan in a double role with  Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi.

Dhak Dhak (film)

'Dhak Dhak' is a film that feels like a breath of fresh air and is for the young and for the young at heart. Its two young protagonists are dealing with the prospect of a loveless arranged marriage and sexist trolling respectively. A middle-aged homemaker and a grandmother on the other hand are eager to free themselves from the weight of duties and expectations. As these four women from different age groups and social backgrounds ride their motorbikes from New Delhi to the highest mountain pass in the world in Ladakh, they get in touch with their authentic selves. This road movie with a difference shows that dreams can be dreamt and achieved at any age.  Directed by Tarun Dudeja and produced by Taapsee Pannu, it stars  Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi.

Dhumrapaan (Teleplay)

Directed for stage by Akarsh Khurana and filmed by Adhaar Khurana, this Zee Theatre teleplay gives audiences an insight into the suppressed angst and frustrations of young people caught in the grind of a draining corporate career. They meet in the smoking area of their office and air their thoughts over  appraisals, interpersonal politics, relationships all the while dealing with their stress, fears and insecurities. The teleplay is a comedy about  rat race but also talks about mental health and the manner in which young people cope with the pressures in their professions. It stars Shubhrajyoti Barat, Akarsh Khurana, Sartak Kakkar, Taaruk Raina, Sidharth Kumar, Lisha Bajaj and Ghanshyam Lalsa.