As India approaches its centenary of Independence in 2047, our youth stand at the forefront of our mission to build a Viksit Bharat. Guided by the Prime Minister’s clarion call to engage one lakh youth in politics with no political background, we have reimagined the National Youth Festival into something extraordinary – ‘The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025‘. This dialogue is not just an event, it’s a movement, a vibrant celebration of youth empowerment, leadership, and actionable ideas that align with India’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’.
For over two decades, the National Youth Festival has been a symbol of cultural exchange and youthful energy. This year, however, we dared to think differently. On Nov 18, 2024, we announced a ground-breaking transformation of the festival, placing leadership, innovation and nation-building at its core.
Central to this reimagining is the Viksit Bharat Challenge, a three-stage competition designed to identify and nurture India’s brightest minds. The challenge is rooted in merit, inclusivity and transparency, ensuring every young Indian, regardless of geography or background, has an equal opportunity to contribute.
The first stage, the Viksit Bharat Quiz, saw participation from around three million youths across the nation. Conducted in 12 languages, it tested their knowledge of India’s progress over the past decades.
The second stage, the Viksit Bharat Essay Competition, encouraged participants to delve deeper into pressing issues. Over two lakh essays were submitted, exploring 10 thematic areas, such as leveraging technology for development, embracing sustainability, preserving cultural heritage, and making India a global sporting powerhouse.
The final stage, the Viksit Bharat Vision Deck Competition, brought top participants to state-level championships. Here, young leaders presented innovative ideas to panels of domain experts and leadership moderators. This stage emphasised grassroots perspectives and regional diversity, showcasing the ability of young Indians to think globally while acting locally.
The journey through these stages has been marked by inspiring stories of resilience & determination. From the hills of the north-east to the villages of Rajasthan and Gujarat to the coastal towns of Tamil Nadu, we witnessed young leaders overcoming societal barriers, logistical challenges and personal hardships to present their visions for Viksit Bharat.
On Jan 10, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue will begin at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together 3,000 participants. The event comprises 1,500 participants from the Viksit Bharat challenge track, representing the top 500 teams from state championships, 1,000 participants from the traditional track, showcasing India’s cultural diversity through performances selected from state-level youth festivals and 500 Pathbreakers, trailblazers chosen for their ground-breaking contributions across thematic tracks.
Participants will engage in cultural and thematic presentations, competitions and excursions to iconic sites like the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and the National War Memorial. An exclusive dinner with various Union ministers and MPs will provide a rare platform for informal dialogue.
On Jan 11, a grand inaugural session featuring national icons, thought leaders and innovators will take place. This discussion will set the stage for deliberations across 10 critical tracks, led by mentors and domain experts. The evening will see conferring of National Youth Awards and ‘Colours of Viksit Bharat’ cultural show.
The final day, Jan 12, celebrated as National Youth Day to honour the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, will be a defining moment for every participant. The top 10 ideas from thematic tracks will be presented to PM Narendra Modi, providing an inspiring platform for innovative minds to shine.
This interaction emphasises India’s commitment to involving youth in governance and decision-making. Following this, participants will also have the opportunity to interact with the PM and other eminent leaders, over lunch, fostering meaningful conversations and leaving them with lasting memories.
The day will also feature a grand plenary session led by the PM. This session will reinforce the transformative potential of India’s youth in shaping a developed India.
(The writer is minister of youth affairs & sports and labour & employment)
