PM Narendra Modi, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and actor Amitabh Bachchan emerge top youth icons

AN EXCLUSIVE HT-MARS POLL India’s young stand by those who walk the talk of change, and not those who just talk about it

They reflect people’s aspirations, have charismatic personalities and display an unparalleled work ethic. And, as revealed in the fifth edition of the HT-MaRS Youth Survey conducted among over 5,000 respondents aged 18 to 25, youth icons are often seasoned veterans in their respective fields with a fair bit of grey in their hair. It is, therefore, no wonder that Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar have once again clinched the top spots in our annual survey.

As far as icons go, people who have built themselves up to be time-honoured and respected institutions appear to have captured the collective imagination of a country where half the population is under the age of 25.

“People want someone to look up to. Not someone who makes promises and then disappears behind the curtain, but someone who makes a road map that leads them to their desired goal. In Modi, they see that,” says Delhi-based market research executive Shriram Srinath, 27. “He is viewed as the bringer of change.”

And for good reason. With more than 14.7 million followers on Twitter, our sexagenarian prime minister has conquered the world of social media, and with 52% of the votes, Narendra Modi has also become the biggest icon in Indian politics.

The likes of Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, who are relatively youthful among India’s grandfatherly politicians, will perhaps have to wait a few more years for their turn at inspiring the Indian youth.

“Youth is all about action and Modi’s party being in power gives him an edge over someone younger, like Rahul Gandhi. All schemes are implemented without a hitch and the youth see an action-oriented and experienced politician at the forefront,” says Esha Jainiti, deputy director at the Amity School of Communication. “He has been a chief minister and like it or not, people continue to talk about the Gujarat Model.”

While change has taken one man to the top, Big B’s consistently captivating performances have earned him the title of the biggest Bollywood icon.

Here’s what Deepika Padukone had to say about the legendary actor: “He’s been acting for decades now, and he could have easily developed an ‘I know it all’ attitude, but there’s so much enthusiasm in him at every level. The younger generation can really learn from his zeal.”

Among living role models of the world, the ‘Little Master’ clinched the top spot with 33.3% of the votes, leaving the likes of Barrack Obama (17%) and Bill Gates (13.5%) in his trail.

While experience trumped everything else in politics, cinema and role model criteria, young blood shone through in sports and, of course, sex appeal. Ranbir Kapoor (25.4%) was voted the sexiest man alive, while Katrina Kaif (27.2%) and Deepika Padukone (24.9%) were neck and neck in the women’s category.