Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday addressed young leaders at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, emphasising collective responsibility, discipline, and a sense of purpose as the foundation of nation-building.
The Dialogue is a flagship initiative aimed at institutionalising youth participation in governance and policy-making, aligning their ideas with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation.
During the session, young participants presented policy ideas, grassroots innovations, and development models across key thematic areas. These included Building a Sustainable and Green Viksit Bharat, Enhancing Productivity through Smart and Sustainable Agriculture, and Innovation with Tradition: Building a Modern Bharat.
The presentations reflected the diversity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities of India’s youth. Many proposals focused on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, leveraging technology in agriculture, and integrating India’s traditional knowledge systems with modern innovation.
Life Gains Meaning Through Service: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Addressing the young leaders, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of purposeful living rooted in service to society and the nation. Drawing inspiration from India’s civilisational ethos, he said that individual success finds true meaning only when it contributes to collective progress.
The Union Minister urged participants to think big and pursue ambitious goals with unwavering commitment and discipline. He emphasised that qualities such as dedication, focus, self-control, and inner strength are essential for effective leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Collective Responsibility Key to Nation-Building
Shri Chouhan underlined that nation-building is not the responsibility of the government alone but a shared duty of every citizen, especially the youth. He called upon young leaders to actively engage with community issues and policy challenges, and to work collaboratively for inclusive development.
He also acknowledged the guidance and vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in creating platforms that enable meaningful youth participation in shaping India’s future under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Institutionalising Youth Engagement in Governance
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 is being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the MY Bharat platform. The initiative aims to identify, mentor, and integrate young leaders into policy discourse and governance frameworks.
The successful interaction at Bharat Mandapam reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to recognising youth as key stakeholders in national development and incorporating their ideas into decision-making processes.
Building the Roadmap to a Developed India
The Dialogue forms an important step in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. By bringing together policymakers and youth innovators, the platform seeks to bridge the gap between grassroots realities and national policy objectives.
Participants expressed optimism that such engagements would strengthen democratic participation, encourage innovation, and empower young citizens to play an active role in shaping India’s future.