In a landmark announcement today, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, revealed the reimagined version of the National Youth Festival (NYF) 2025—now named the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. The festival, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for youth empowerment, aims to create a transformative platform where young Indians can contribute their ideas for building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Empowering the Youth with a Direct Dialogue with the Prime Minister
Speaking at the press conference in New Delhi, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the reimagined festival will offer a unique opportunity for youth to engage directly with the Prime Minister and present their ideas for India’s development. “The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue aims to identify and nurture young talent, empowering them to participate in the nation’s growth and provide solutions for a developed India,” he stated.
The minister highlighted two core objectives for this year’s festival. First, to encourage new youth leadership in politics by responding to the Prime Minister’s call to engage 1 lakh youth from non-political backgrounds in public life. Second, to ensure youth participation in shaping the vision of Viksit Bharat through a democratic, merit-based selection system.
Dr. Mandaviya invited eligible youth to participate in this national dialogue, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tapping into the immense potential of India’s youth to drive its progress.
Introducing the Viksit Bharat Challenge: A Four-Stage Competition for Youth
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue will feature the Viksit Bharat Challenge, a four-stage competition designed to engage youth in the country’s developmental journey. The competition will include the following stages:
- Round 1: Viksit Bharat Quiz
A digital quiz on the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform will run from 25th November to 5th December 2024. Participants (aged 15-29) will be tested on their knowledge about India’s progress and achievements. - Round 2: Essay/Blog Writing
Winners from Round 1 will be tasked with submitting essays on themes such as “Tech for Viksit Bharat” and “Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat”, further showcasing their ideas for national development. - Round 3: Viksit Bharat Vision Pitch Deck – State-Level Presentations
Successful participants from Round 2 will present their ideas at the state level. Each state will form teams based on different themes, which will then compete to represent their state at the national level. - Round 4: Viksit Bharat National Championship at Bharat Mandapam
The winning teams from the state-level competitions will gather at the National Youth Festival in New Delhi on 11th-12th January 2025. These teams will have the opportunity to present their ideas directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Celebration of Youth Power at Bharat Mandapam
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue will be a grand celebration of youth talent and creativity, bringing together 3,000 young minds from diverse backgrounds. Participants will be selected from the four stages of the Viksit Bharat Challenge, as well as from district and state-level youth festivals, where they will compete in various categories such as arts, science exhibitions, cultural performances, and declamation contests. Additionally, influential youth icons from fields like entrepreneurship, sports, agriculture, and technology will also be part of the event.
The event will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and will feature:
- Viksit Bharat Exhibition: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Unveils ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’, a Reimagined National Youth Festival for 2025
- Plenary Sessions: Interactive dialogues with prominent national and global figures, offering participants a chance to engage with thought leaders and gain insights into leadership and innovation.
- Cultural Celebrations: The festival will celebrate India’s rich heritage through performances and exhibitions under the theme “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development and Heritage), promoting nationwide participation and fostering a sense of unity.
Empowering India’s Future
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is not just an event; it is a movement to empower the youth as active contributors to the nation’s growth. The initiative provides a transformative platform for young people to voice their ideas, engage with inspiring personalities, and contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
