Indian Youth Culture: Work, Wellness & Relationships

Published 21 October 2024

Author

8 min read

Representing 27% of India’s population – about 388 million people – India’s youth (aged 15-29) are a growing force both at home and abroad (Unicef, 2023). While many are optimistic about both their own and India’s future trajectories, they also face challenges finding work, navigating relationship dynamics and managing their wellbeing.

A Significant Cohort

India’s Work Paradox

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Relationships in Flux

“The largest number of people born in any country at any time in history will quite possibly be people born in India between 2005 and 2007,” says Dhruva Jaishankar, executive director at American think tank Observer Research Foundation. While these youngsters feel positive about their political and financial future, personal and professional challenges lie ahead.

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By 2030, 68.9% of India’s population will be working age – the largest share globally (EY, 2023). More workers could increase productivity. However, a jobs shortage (leading to high youth unemployment), ongoing gender disparity in workforce participation and low wages threaten to limit long-term economic growth for India and its youth.

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Although 64% of Indian Gen Zers rate their mental wellbeing as good (compared with 51% of Gen Zers globally), 48% report feeling anxious or stressed all or most of the time (Deloitte, 2024). Brands from food to media are broaching topics like exam stress and gender stereotypes through products and podcasts, while some young people are destressing through spiritual travel.

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As young Indian people grow up and leave home, they’re transitioning their attention to dating and forming their own families. Many of their priorities echo those discussed in 10 Relationship Trends to Watch 24/25, with youngsters lengthening their dating timelines, meeting others virtually and reconsidering family structures.

Indian Youth Culture: Work, Wellness & Relationships

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Topics

Advertising & Branding

Children & Youth

Cost of Living

Health & Wellness

Parenting & Families

Work & Education

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