The 79-page book with four pages of references, positions youth not merely as the “future” but as active participants in public life today. Written in accessible language, it speaks to students, aspiring public servants, educators, and policy thinkers, offering practical frameworks for involving young people in public administration. Its twelve chapters cover themes ranging from skills for public service and technology-driven engagement to strategies for overcoming systemic challenges.

In his endorsement, Fr. Biju Michael, General Councillor for South Asia, highlights the stark underrepresentation of youth in policymaking. “Why do 50% of the global population under 30 remain underrepresented in 95% of policymaking bodies?” he asks, describing the book as “a manifesto for equitable governance in the 21st century.”

The work blends theory with case studies, drawing examples from Kinshasa to Kuala Lumpur, where youth-led innovations have reshaped civic spaces. The author insists that mentorship, not mistrust, is the key to unlocking youth creativity in tackling challenges from unemployment to algorithmic bias.

Born in Kollam, Kerala, in 1955, Fr. Francis has worked in youth development since 1975. A polyglot and avid cyclist, he has organized national youth programs and served as camp chief at major Boscoree gatherings. His earlier works include Life of Jesus, Grandma’s Tales, and Scouting for Everyone. With Harnessing Youth Potential, he channels his decades of experience into a roadmap for public institutions.

At a time when India’s demographic dividend is both a promise and a challenge, the book’s release is timely. It invites policymakers, educators, and civil society leaders to rethink governance structures and embrace the energy of young citizens. For readers, it offers not just reflection but a call to action: to build bridges between young minds and public institutions.