The session was inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, Union Minister of State Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and senior officials of the Department of Youth Affairs. The event began with a floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that from an initial pool of 50 lakh participants, 3,000 youth were selected to present ideas before the Prime Minister. He emphasized the importance of grassroots leadership and citizen-driven nation-building, noting that Viksit Bharat can only be achieved through collective effort and disciplined action by 140 crore Indians.
NSA Shri Ajit Doval urged the youth to cultivate disciplined decision-making, stressing that the right choices shape the destiny of individuals and nations. He highlighted the importance of learning from history, adopting long-term commitments, and converting discipline into enduring motivation.
Thematic Tracks and Mentorship
The young leaders participated in ten thematic tracks covering areas such as governance, women-led development, fitness, startups, soft power, innovation, economic self-reliance, sustainable agriculture, environmental sustainability, and workforce readiness.
- Youth in Democracy and Government: Strategies for integrating youth into governance through local action plans, policy labs, and civic engagement.
- Women-Led Development: Empowering women as leaders in governance and nation-building.
- Fit Bharat, Hit Bharat: Health, wellness, and indigenous practices including yoga and meditation.
- Start-Up India: Encouraging innovation-led entrepreneurship and mentoring sessions with industry leaders.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Showcasing India’s soft power and global influence.
- Innovation with Tradition: Linking India’s cultural heritage to modern innovation.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Youth-driven Make in India initiatives for global competitiveness.
- Smart Agriculture: Enhancing productivity through sustainable farming solutions.
- Green Viksit Bharat: Embedding sustainability in governance, technology, and daily life.
- Future-Ready Workforce: Preparing youth for emerging technologies, AI, and skill-based employability.
Participants also visited the Prime Minister’s Museum and Library, followed by State team engagements with Union Ministers and Members of Parliament for mentorship and networking.
Impact and Forward Outlook
VBYLD 2026 Day 2 reinforced the Government’s focus on youth as central drivers of India’s development. The interactive sessions, expert mentorship, and collaborative deliberations equipped young leaders with practical insights to contribute to policy, governance, and nation-building.
The Dialogue will culminate on 12th January 2026 with a session led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including interactions with ISRO astronauts, continued thematic presentations, and cultural celebrations reflecting the diversity and spirit of Viksit Bharat.