New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, unveiled the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, a transformative reimagining of the National Youth Festival 2025, during a press conference in New Delhi. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for heightened youth participation in nation-building, this dynamic platform seeks to empower young Indians to share their innovative ideas for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Outlining the initiative’s objectives, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized its dual focus. Firstly, it aims to identify and nurture young leaders, particularly those from non-political backgrounds, encouraging them to engage actively in civic life. Secondly, it seeks to establish a transparent and merit-based selection process, ensuring meaningful youth contributions to India’s development journey. The festival, scheduled for January 11-12, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, will convene around 3,000 young participants selected through a nationwide process.
Introducing the Viksit Bharat Challenge
A centerpiece of the dialogue is the Viksit Bharat Challenge, a four-stage competition designed to inspire youth engagement in shaping India’s future:
- Viksit Bharat Quiz: Conducted online from November 25 to December 5, 2024, via the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform, this quiz will test participants’ knowledge of India’s achievements.
- Essay/Blog Writing: Winners of the quiz will submit essays on themes like “Tech for Viksit Bharat” and “Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat.”
- State-Level Vision Presentations: Participants will present their ideas at the state level, forming teams to compete nationally.
- National Championship: State teams will compete during the festival, with winning teams presenting their ideas to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Broadening the Dialogue
The festival will also feature youth from district and state-level competitions in areas such as painting, science exhibitions, and cultural performances. Additionally, it will bring together youth icons from various fields, including sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and technology.
Major Highlights of the Festival
- Viksit Bharat Exhibition: Interactive displays from states, union territories, and central ministries will highlight youth-centric initiatives in education, skill development, and innovation.
- Plenary Sessions: National and global icons will engage with participants through workshops and dialogues, fostering an exchange of ideas and inspiration.
- Celebration of Heritage: Complementing the festival’s progressive vision, cultural programs will showcase India’s rich traditions under the theme “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Progress with Heritage).
Empowering India’s Youth
Dr. Mandaviya underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging India’s Yuva Shakti (youth power) for national development. He encouraged eligible youth to participate in this landmark event, describing it as a movement to transform young Indians into active contributors to the nation’s vision of development.
Details about the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue will be available on the MY Bharat platform (mybharat.gov.in).