New Delhi: India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 will be shaped by the ideas, imagination, and leadership of its youth, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour & Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has said. Highlighting the importance of empowering young Indians, he said the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) has been designed as a powerful platform to ensure that youth voices actively influence the nation’s future direction.
India today is home to the world’s largest youth population. According to the minister, this demographic strength is not merely a numerical advantage but the country’s greatest national asset, capable of driving innovation, strengthening democracy, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. He noted that today’s youth are motivated not only by personal progress but also by a strong desire to take responsibility and create meaningful social impact.
Dr. Mandaviya said that during his interactions with young Indians across university campuses, rural districts, sports fields, and community initiatives, one common factor stands out — the seriousness with which the youth think about the nation’s future. Citing examples of rural youth volunteers running informal education centres with limited resources, he said such initiatives reaffirm that when young people are trusted and given space, they do not just participate but lead.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to bring one lakh youth without political backgrounds into public life, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue was launched in January 2025 as a reimagined format of the National Youth Festival. The response was unprecedented. More than 30 lakh youth participated through the Viksit Bharat Challenge, over two lakh essays were submitted, and thousands of young leaders presented their ideas at the state level. The initiative culminated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where 3,000 young leaders engaged in an open dialogue with the Prime Minister.
Beyond numbers, the dialogue’s inclusive design made it historic. Youth from urban and rural areas, students, professionals, innovators, and grassroots leaders shared a common platform, ensuring diversity of ideas across language, culture, and geography. The initiative encouraged young participants to think critically about national challenges, propose solutions, and align personal ambition with collective purpose.
Looking ahead, VBYLD 2026, scheduled from January 9 to 12, 2026, marks a decisive leap towards a globally resonant youth leadership platform. New initiatives such as “Designed for India” and “Technology for Viksit Bharat”, along with participation from the Indian youth diaspora, will further expand its reach. The scale of participation underscores its impact, with over 50 lakh youth taking part in the Viksit Bharat Quiz, the first stage of selection for VBYLD 2026.
The highlight of the event will be on January 12, celebrated nationwide as National Youth Day in memory of Swami Vivekananda, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally interact with young leaders at Bharat Mandapam, listening to their vision for India’s future.
Dr. Mandaviya said that as India approaches the centenary of its independence, the nation needs youth who dare to dream big and have the determination to turn ideas into action. More than just a platform for dialogue, the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is a movement calling upon India’s youth to lead from the front and align their aspirations with the goal of building a developed India.
