Department of Youth Affairs is organising the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue from 10-12 January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, which is a reimagination of the National Youth Festival, aims to provide a unique platform for youth to present innovative solutions for Viksit Bharat. It will offer young leaders an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, national and global icons while contributing their ideas for shaping the nation’s future. Young leaders throughout the country have participated in various events to articulate their ideas of Viksit Bharat with participation of close to 30 lakh youth.
A total of 3,000 dynamic and motivated youth have been selected to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, following a merit-based, multi-level selection process designed to identify and showcase the most promising voices from across the nation. The selection process consisted of three stages. Stage 1, the Viksit Bharat Quiz, was a nationwide online initiative that tested participants’ knowledge and awareness of India’s achievements over the last decade. Conducted in 12 languages to ensure inclusivity, it saw nearly 30 lakh young minds participating. Stage 2, the Viksit Bharat Essay, saw qualified participants articulate their ideas on ten identified key themes that align with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” Over 2 lakh essays were submitted and evaluated by academicians and professionals appointed by state agencies. Finally, Stage 3, the Viksit Bharat State Vision Deck Challenge, allowed participants to present their essays through PowerPoint presentations, evaluated by leadership moderators who assessed their ability to lead and collaborate.
The selected 3,000 participants include 1,500 from the Viksit Bharat Track, representing the top 500 teams from State Championships; 1,000 from the Traditional Track, chosen through state-level youth festivals and cultural programs and exhibitions on the themes of innovation in Science & Technology by young innovators; and 500 Pathbreakers, invited for their groundbreaking contributions across ten thematic tracks. The participants, given a grand send-off by the Chief Ministers and Governors in their respective States/UTs, are set to showcase their innovative ideas at Bharat Mandapam, marking a historic convergence of youth leadership and a vision for a Viksit Bharat.
Day-by-Day Highlights
January 10, 2025 – Launching the Dialogue Journey with Thematic Presentations, Excursions, and Cultural Experiences
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 will commence with an exciting array of activities on January 10, 2025. Participants will engage in thematic presentations and competitions focusing on 10 identified themes which are:
- Tech for Viksit Bharat
- Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi
- Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat
- Enhancing Productivity in Agriculture
- Making India the Startup Capital of the World
- Making India a Sporting and FIT Nation
- Making India the Global Manufacturing Powerhouse
- Steering India Towards a Sustainable Future
- Building the Infrastructure for the Future
- Empowering Women and Improving Social Indicators.
The afternoon will also feature a variety of creative competitions, including painting, story writing, music, dance, declamation, and poetry, allowing participants to express their visions for a developed India. In addition, attendees will embark on enriching excursions, to landmark like the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, offering a deeper connection with India’s history and governance.
The evening will conclude with a dinner hosted by Union Ministers and Members of Parliament. This unique opportunity will enable participants to interact directly with policymakers in a relaxed, informal environment, encouraging meaningful discussions and collaboration on key developmental issues. These personal exchanges will bridge the gap between the aspirations of the youth and governmental actions, fostering impactful conversations that contribute to India’s progress and growth.
January 11, 2025 – A Day of Intellectual Engagement and Cultural Celebration
The event will commence with the inaugural session lead by Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse along with the other dignitaries from the Ministry. Following this, the Plenary Session will start which will feature distinguished personalities such as Mr. Anand Mahindra (Chairman, Mahindra Group) and Mr. Jonty Rhodes (International Cricketer). This high-profile opening will set the tone for the proceedings, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with prominent personalities who will inspire and motivate them throughout the event.
Following the plenary session, participants will proceed to ten designated venues where deliberations will be conducted on 10 identified themes. These discussions, led by mentors and domain area experts like Shri S. Somnath, Shri Pawan Goenka, Shri Amitabh Kant, Shri Sachin Bansal, Shri Ronnie Screwvala, Shri Anand Kumar, Shri Ritesh Aggarwal, Shri Bhaichung Bhutia, Ms. Chavvi Rajawat, Ms. Kalpana Saroj, and others will provide a thorough exploration of critical issues such as sustainability, agriculture, manufacturing, among others.
The evening’s highlight will be the spectacular “Colors of Viksit Bharat” cultural show, a vibrant celebration that beautifully showcases India’s rich cultural heritage. This immersive event will feature an awe-inspiring fusion of traditional and modern performances, showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of India. The show will signify the essence of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by highlighting the country’s cultural diversity, unity, and progress, offering a vivid glimpse into the vibrant traditions, art forms, and values that define India’s identity. From folk dances and classical music to state-of-the-art visual effects, this cultural extravaganza will leave the audience mesmerized, symbolizing the seamless integration of India’s historical legacy with its future aspirations of becoming a Viksit Bharat.
Additionally, on the 11th and 12th January, the Viksit Bharat Exhibition will be displayed showcasing youth-focused initiatives from State and Central Ministries. It will offer interactive experiences to engage participants with opportunities in education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and culture. The State Exhibition will display initiatives from each State, while the Ministry Exhibition will highlight Government schemes supporting youth development, leadership, innovation, and governance participation.
January 12, 2025 – Shaping Tomorrow: Youth Unveil Groundbreaking Ideas and Vision for India’s Future to the Prime Minister
The final day, January 12, celebrated as National Youth Day to honour the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and his enduring legacy of youth empowerment, will be a defining moment for every participant. This day will feature the most highly anticipated segment of the event.
A momentous occasion will unfold as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a specially curated Coffee Table Book which will be a compilation of the best essays from each of the ten identified themes. In addition to this, the Prime Minister will also launch the Youth Anthem, a powerful musical piece created to inspire and unite the youth of India under a common vision of national progress and development.
This day will also showcase ten impactful presentations, each representing one of the ten key thematic areas critical to India’s development, which will be presented in front of the Prime Minister of India.
Offering participants a great opportunity to engage in personal interactions with the nation’s highest leader, a lunch will also be arranged for the participants with the Prime Minister. This intimate setting will allow young minds to discuss their ideas and aspirations for a developed India, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth.
Following the lunch, the Grand Plenary Session, led by the Prime Minister, will be the centerpiece of this day. Prime Minister will address the gathering and will motivate the youth gathered to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat.
