Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 Empowers Over 6 Crore Youth, Sets Stage for Vision 2047

New Delhi — In a significant move to reshape India’s youth engagement strategy, the National Youth Festival (NYF) 2025 was rebranded as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD)—a nationwide initiative aimed at grooming the next generation of Indian leaders, thinkers, and innovators for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Held from January 10 to 12, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, VBYLD 2025 witnessed the participation of 2,500 young achievers aged between 15 and 29 years, selected through a multi-stage, merit-based process. Representing all States and Union Territories, these youth included innovators, artists, writers, volunteers, and participants from both the Viksit Bharat Track and Traditional Track.

To amplify youth participation digitally, the event was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing more than 6 crore youth to engage virtually via social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X. The dialogue aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of engaging one lakh youth in public affairs and channelizing their energy towards building a developed India by 2047.

Multi-Stage National Engagement through Viksit Bharat Challenge

The Viksit Bharat Challenge became the highlight of the event, comprising four interactive stages:

• Stage 1: Viksit Bharat Quiz (Nov 25 – Dec 10, 2024)
• Stage 2: Essay Challenge (Dec 10 – Dec 17, 2024)
• Stage 3: PPT Challenge at State Level (Dec 22 – Dec 30, 2024)
• Stage 4: Viksit Bharat Championship (Jan 10 – Jan 12, 2025 at the NYF venue)

The first two stages were hosted via MyGov Portal in a virtual format and were accessible in 12 Indian languages, drawing over 28 lakh participants nationwide.

Alongside the dialogue, the Traditional Track featured a variety of cultural events like group folk dance, folk songs, painting, declamation, story writing, poetry, and science exhibitions. Youth selected through District and State Youth Festivals represented their regions at the national level, adding a vibrant cultural flavor to the festival.

Winners of the Traditional Track were awarded cash prizes of ₹1.5 lakh (1st), ₹1 lakh (2nd), and ₹75,000 (3rd), recognizing excellence and creativity in cultural expression.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, led by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, collaborated with State and UT Governments, prominent universities, and the MyGov portal to ensure smooth execution of the event. The initiative exemplified a new model of public-private-youth partnership, further cementing youth participation as a cornerstone in national development.

The VBYLD 2025 proved to be more than just an event—it became a movement. By actively involving millions of young minds, it laid a strong foundation for a youth-led, innovation-driven Viksit Bharat. Presentations and policy suggestions from the youth were even placed before the  Prime Minister, reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing a generation ready to take charge of India’s future.