The Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi came alive today as Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Young Leader’s Dialogue and the National Youth Festival 2025. This landmark event aims to foster leadership, innovation, and creative problem-solving among India’s youth. The festival, an annual celebration of youth potential, sees the participation of over 3,000 young leaders from across the nation, united by their shared vision of a developed India.
The event witnessed the presence of prominent personalities, including Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, ISRO Chief S. Somanath, and renowned journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay. Their insights and encouragement set the tone for the festival, emphasizing the pivotal role of India’s youth in achieving the nation’s ambitious development goals.
Minister Mandaviya Inaugrates National Youth Festival
In his opening remarks, Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the transformative potential of India’s youth. “Today’s event is organized by the youth and is for the youth,” he stated, calling on participants to actively engage in shaping the nation’s future. He praised the festival as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, urging attendees to seize the moment to contribute meaningfully to India’s progress.
The National Youth Festival is not just a ceremonial gathering but a dynamic arena for exchanging ideas and fostering creativity. Participants will engage in thematic discussions on topics critical to India’s future, including women’s empowerment, sustainability, technology-driven growth, and social innovation. These discussions aim to harness the collective energy of young minds to craft actionable solutions for national challenges.
Complementing these dialogues are a series of creative competitions, showcasing the artistic and intellectual prowess of India’s youth. From debates and hackathons to cultural performances, the festival offers a comprehensive platform for young leaders to shine.
Interaction with the Prime Minister
A much-anticipated highlight of the festival is the interactive session with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for January 12, the concluding day. Twenty exceptional young leaders, selected for their innovative ideas and contributions, will have the unique opportunity to share a meal with the Prime Minister. During this session, they will present their vision for a developed India, focusing on critical areas like gender equality, education, healthcare, and employment.
Minister Mandaviya expressed his hope that this interaction would inspire both the youth and the leadership. “When the 20 out of all meet the PM tomorrow and share your vision for Viksit Bharat, you will also seek his commitment and support to achieve this dream together,” he remarked.
The National Youth Festival 2025 exemplifies India’s commitment to empowering its youth. By bringing together young leaders from diverse backgrounds, the festival fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and leadership. It reflects the government’s recognition of youth as catalysts for change, capable of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.
Building Viksit Bharat
The theme of this year’s festival, “Viksit Bharat,” aligns with the government’s broader vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence. Participants are encouraged to think beyond traditional boundaries, leveraging technology, innovation, and community-driven approaches to drive progress.
The presence of luminaries like Anand Mahindra and S. Somanath underscores the importance of industry and science in this transformation. Their insights inspire attendees to bridge the gap between aspiration and action.
As the National Youth Festival 2025 unfolds, it reaffirms the power of India’s youth to shape the nation’s destiny. Through thematic discussions, creative competitions, and inspiring interactions, the event provides a roadmap for a brighter, more inclusive future. By fostering leadership and innovation, the festival is not just a celebration of youth potential but a call to action for a developed India.