In the bylanes of small towns and boardrooms of big cities, young India is no longer walking the conventional path of a single job, predictable paycheck and a quiet march towards retirement. In a country where over 65 per cent of the population is under 35, the youth is redefining success through side hustles, startups and freelance business alongside studies or full-time jobs.
According to a Deloitte report, nearly 70 per cent of Indian youth have either started or aspire to start a side hustle. This trend signifies a monumental shift in how careers are perceived. For the young, work is not just a means to an end, it is an opportunity to pursue a passion and make a mark.
The Digital India initiative, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of the key factors that has fuelled this work revolution. The rapid rise in access to the internet and digital infrastructure has enabled the youth to learn new skills and monetise their passions in online marketplaces. Social media platforms like YouTube have become skill learning centres and Instagram and Facebook have become virtual marketplaces.
Imaging: Deni Lal
The side hustle culture in India extends beyond the pursuit of extra income. It is a powerful avenue for building essential skills, nurturing confidence and fostering resilience. With rising demand for skill such as content creation, coding, digital marketing and video editing, young Indians are seizing these opportunities to innovate, excel and carve out a path towards self-reliance and job creation.
The Modi government has recognised this shift and is playing a pivotal role in driving this entrepreneurial culture. Programmes such as Startup India and MUDRA Yojana have reduced financial barriers for young people seeking to start or expand their ventures. As of October, the department of promotion of industry and internal trade has recognised over 1.5 lakh startups across India, of which over 50 per cent have at least one woman director. Under the MUDRA Yojana, the government has sanctioned more than Rs50 crore loans to people to start small business.
By easing compliance regulations, expanding credit accessibility and promoting digital literacy, the Modi government has fostered an environment where side hustles are recognised as a valuable career path. These efforts collectively reflect a transformative approach promoting innovation, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
This startup culture has a larger impact on the economy, beyond individual success. Young India is no longer content being job seekers, but is aspiring to become job creators, driving innovation, social and technological advancements and contributing to the nation’s economic progress. By fostering entrepreneurial ambition and reducing reliance on traditional employment, side hustles are becoming a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat 2047.
This journey is not without obstacles. Balancing a full-time job alongside the side hustle requires immense time, energy and unwavering discipline. The threat of burnout and pressures of financial uncertainties cause several doubts and scepticism in young minds. Yet, it is the relentless determination and unwavering belief of young Indians that drive their dreams. Every post-work hour brainstorming session, small victories and hard-earned achievements and every lesson learnt from failures become the building block for a success story.
In this New India, no dream is too small, no idea goes unnoticed and no effort is ever in vain. The future belongs to those who hustle, innovate and believe in their potential. Young India no longer waits for the opportunity to come knocking; instead it boldly crafts the doors that lead to success.
Bansuri Swaraj is the Lok Sabha member from New Delhi.