In a bold and transformative move, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour & Employment, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, unveiled the reimagined National Youth Festival (NYF) 2025 during a press conference in New Delhi. Renamed the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, the event embodies the Prime Minister’s vision of fostering greater youth participation in building a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
Meeta Rajivlochan, Secretary-Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary of Youth Affairs were also present in the press conference.
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A Platform for Youth Empowerment and Leadership-
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is designed to identify and nurture young talent, providing a dynamic space for them to contribute their ideas and perspectives on India’s progress. Speaking at the event, Dr. Mandaviya emphasised the festival’s significance, stating, “This festival aims to empower young minds to actively participate in shaping India’s future. Through direct interactions with the Prime Minister, youth will have an opportunity to present their ideas for a Viksit Bharat.”
The initiative aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call during his Independence Day address to bring 1 lakh youth from non-political backgrounds into leadership roles. The festival reflects this vision by encouraging youth to engage in politics and civic life through merit-based, transparent processes.
The Viksit Bharat Challenge: A Four-Stage Pathway-
At the heart of the reimagined festival is the Viksit Bharat Challenge—a dynamic four-stage competition created to spark excitement and encourage active participation among young people:
Round 1: Viksit Bharat Quiz-
Between November 25 and December 5, 2024, youth aged 15-29 will compete in a digital quiz on the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform. The quiz will test their knowledge of India’s achievements and progress.
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Round 2: Essay/Blog Writing-
Winners from Round 1 will submit essays or blogs on about 10 themes:
- Tech and Developed India
- Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi
- Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat
- Making India the Vishwa Guru
- Making India the Startup Capital of the World
- Fit India Means Viksit Bharat
- Making India the Global Manufacturing Powerhouse
- Making India Energy Efficient, Building Infrastructure for the Future
- Empowering Women
- Improving Social Indicators
This phase will allow participants to articulate their vision for national development.
Round 3: Viksit Bharat Vision Pitch Deck-
State-level presentations will see participants showcase their ideas before teams are formed to represent their states in the national championship.
Round 4: National Championship at Bharat Mandapam-
Finalists from across India will gather at the National Youth Festival in New Delhi on January 11-12, 2025. Here, winning teams will present their vision for a developed India directly to the Prime Minister.
Three Verticals of Participation-
The festival will bring together approximately 3,000 young leaders from diverse backgrounds, categorized into three groups:
- About 1,500 young leaders will be the winners of the Viksit Bharat Challenge.
- About 1,000 young leaders will be talented individuals form district and state-level festivals in fields like Science, arts and public speaking.
- About 500 youth icons from sectors such as entrepreneurship, sports, technology and agriculture.
Major Highlights of the Festival-
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue offers more than just a competition—it’s a holistic celebration of youth and culture. Here are the major highlights of the festival:
- Viksit Bharat Exhibition: Featuring youth-centric initiatives by states, union territories, and central ministries, this exhibition will showcase opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and skill development.
- Plenary Sessions: Prominent national and global figures will engage with participants through interactive dialogues, workshops, and mentoring sessions.
- Cultural Celebration: A vibrant cultural program, “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi,” will celebrate India’s rich heritage alongside its progress, fostering unity and participation across states.
A Movement Towards Progress-
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is not just an event but a movement aimed at empowering India’s youth as active contributors to the nation’s development journey. Through initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Challenge, the festival ensures that young minds are at the forefront of shaping India’s path to becoming a developed nation.