Encouraging Meaningful Writing and Reading Culture
Addressing the young writers, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated them on their selection and urged them to use the mentorship period productively. He emphasised that their books should not only showcase creativity but also inspire India’s youth to read, write, and engage deeply with knowledge.
The Minister highlighted that authors carry a responsibility to shape minds and ideas, especially in a rapidly evolving society. He encouraged them to create works that connect India’s civilisational roots with contemporary aspirations.
Access to Research and Knowledge Resources
Recognising the importance of strong academic support, Shri Pradhan directed that both physical and digital research resources be made easily accessible to the authors through the National Book Trust (NBT). He also stressed the need to provide access under the ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) initiative.
To further strengthen their research ecosystem, the Union Minister suggested affiliating the young authors with central universities in their respective regions. This, he said, would help them access academic libraries, faculty guidance, and research infrastructure while developing their manuscripts.
Themes Reflecting India’s Intellectual Heritage
Expressing his delight at interacting with the authors, Shri Pradhan noted that the diversity in the room mirrored the diversity of India itself. He said the young writers are working on themes such as the contribution of the Indian diaspora in nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and the lives and ideas of the makers of modern India.
The interaction also featured free-flowing discussions on culture, technology, the pursuit of knowledge, and India’s long-term national vision. According to the Minister, the confidence and aspirations of the authors reinforced his belief in the idea of a Viksit Bharat.
PM-YUVA 3.0 and the World Book Fair
The 43 authors are part of a national camp organised alongside the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, which is being conducted by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Book Trust. The fair was inaugurated on January 10 by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.
The PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme aims to nurture young writers under the age of 30 through structured mentorship, financial assistance, and national-level exposure. It seeks to promote a culture of reading, writing, and knowledge creation while showcasing India’s intellectual and cultural diversity.
Senior Officials Attend the Interaction
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Higher Education; Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT-India; Dr Priyanka Mishra, CEO, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya; Shri Kumar Vikram, Chief Editor and Joint Director, NBT-India; and Shri Ravi K. Mishra, Joint Director, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
Officials reiterated that initiatives like PM-YUVA play a crucial role in strengthening India’s publishing ecosystem and encouraging youth participation in intellectual and cultural discourse.
