New Delhi [India], January 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the vital role of India’s youth in nation-building, expressing confidence that the strength of ‘Yuva Shakti’ (youth power) will soon transform the country into a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). He was speaking to a gathering of around 3,000 individuals at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
“My belief is that the power of youth will make India a developed nation as soon as possible,” PM Modi said, emphasizing his trust in the younger generation. He referred to his connection with youth as a “Param Mitra” (a deep friendship) and noted that the foundation of the strongest relationships lies in trust, or “Vishwas.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned how this belief in India’s youth had led to the creation of initiatives like ‘MYBharat.com’ and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. “This faith in you has inspired me to set up the MYBharat.com platform, which has led to the formation of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue,” he said.
‘MYBharat’ is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aimed at empowering young people through social mobility, educational equity, and practical skill development.
PM Modi also acknowledged the immense energy of the youth present at the event and paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda, remembering his enduring influence. “Today, with the energy of India’s youth power, this Bharat Mandapam is buzzing with energy. We all are remembering and paying tribute to Swami Vivekananda,” he said.
Recalling the struggle for India’s independence, the Prime Minister spoke about the resilience and determination of the Indian people. “India stood up against the mighty British Empire. The strength of the British was unmatched, but the will of the Indian people brought about independence,” he remarked.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited an exhibition at the Dialogue and interacted with various participants. The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is a two-day program at Bharat Mandapam, aiming to provide a platform for the youth to engage in discussions on key national issues.
The event kicked off with a grand inaugural session attended by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, as well as prominent figures like Anand Mahindra, Palki Sharma, S Somnath, Pawan Goenka, Amitabh Kant, and Ronnie Screwvala. The session began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, followed by a floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda.
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is part of the Prime Minister’s initiative to engage 1 lakh youth in politics without political affiliations and provide them a national platform to bring their ideas for a developed India to fruition. This event aims to break away from the 25-year-old tradition of the National Youth Festival and create a new approach to youth involvement.
During the event, the Prime Minister also released a compilation of the best essays written by participants on ten diverse themes, including technology, sustainability, women empowerment, manufacturing, and agriculture.