The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2025 is now being recognized as a turning point in India’s youth engagement movement. Reimagined from the traditional National Youth Festival, this event was more than a celebration—it was a call to action.
A Reimagined National Youth Festival
The National Youth Festival (NYF) was restructured into VBYLD-2025 to foster deeper involvement of India’s young minds. Held from 10th to 12th January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the event hosted over 2,500 youth selected through a rigorous, merit-based process.
These participants represented the very best of India’s demographic aged 15–29. They came from two tracks: the Viksit Bharat Track and the Traditional Track, which included folk dance, music, painting, poetry, and science exhibitions.
VBYLD was designed in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. The goal was to provide a national platform to youth—helping them voice ideas, innovate, and lead future change.
Young participants shared their thoughts directly with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, making this an unforgettable and empowering moment.
Massive Participation Across India
While 2,500 attended in person, the scale of engagement was staggering. Over 6 crore youth and others joined virtually via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Additionally, another 3 crore people engaged throughout the lead-up to the event. This included the Viksit Bharat Challenge, a four-stage competition that reached every corner of the country.
The Four Stages of the Viksit Bharat Challenge
The challenge was both virtual and physical. Here’s how it unfolded:
Stage 1: The Viksit Bharat Quiz was conducted from November 25 to December 10, 2024, on the MyGov portal. It was available in 12 languages and saw participation from over 28 lakh individuals.
From December 10 to 17, 2024, an Essay Challenge invited youth to share their ideas for a developed India.
A state-level PowerPoint Presentation Challenge took place between December 22 and 30, 2024.
The final round, known as the Viksit Bharat Championship, was held during the VBYLD event in New Delhi.
Each stage tested creativity, knowledge, and commitment toward India’s future. Winners received national recognition and cash prizes—₹1,50,000 for first place, ₹1,00,000 for second, and ₹75,000 for third.
Celebrating India’s Cultural Diversity
Alongside policy dialogues, the Traditional Track celebrated India’s rich cultural heritage. State-level winners in folk dance, song, and literature showcased their talent on the national stage.
District and State Youth Festivals were held across all States and UTs, ensuring even remote voices were heard and represented.
Powerful Partnerships for a Powerful Future
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, partnered with State/UT Governments, universities, and the MyGov portal to ensure smooth and inclusive participation.
This collaboration also enabled real-time digital access and multilingual engagement, making it one of the largest youth gatherings in India’s history.
Digital India, Youth India
VBYLD 2025 harnessed the power of Digital India. From quizzes to video submissions, every element was integrated through mobile-friendly and multilingual platforms. This helped bring rural, urban, and semi-urban youth on one unified national platform.
Why VBYLD Matters
India’s youth is not just the future—it is the present. Events like VBYLD 2025 are crucial in shaping how young citizens view leadership, innovation, and nation-building.
Through this initiative, the Government of India succeeded in blending culture, competition, and civic awareness with inspiration and action.
Looking Ahead: VBYLD as an Annual Tradition
Given its success, VBYLD could soon become a flagship youth engagement model globally. It exemplifies how a government can nurture a generation of dreamers, doers, and leaders.
As India marches toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the seeds planted at VBYLD 2025 will grow into transformative ideas and national milestones.