The government aims to unlock the potential of India’s youth through a dual focus on personality development and nation-building, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Highlighting key initiatives by the Department of Youth Affairs, Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to shaping young people into responsible leaders while encouraging their active engagement in national development.
A central initiative under this effort is the National Service Scheme (NSS), which works on the personality and character development of students through voluntary community service. Operating under the motto ‘Education through Service,’ the NSS aims to nurture civic responsibility and active engagement among youth.
Additionally, the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) has been pivotal in empowering rural youth. NYKS offers a wide range of programs that promote civic participation and social development, strengthening the role of youth in their local communities.
In a bid to further enhance youth involvement, the government has launched Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), an autonomous body under the Department of Youth Affairs. MY Bharat uses technology to drive youth-led development, encouraging the principles of ‘Kartavya Bodh’ (duty consciousness) and ‘Seva Bhaav’ (spirit of service) during the Amrit Kaal. This initiative seeks to instill social responsibility among youth.
MY Bharat has also developed a digital platform (https://www.mybharat.gov.in/) to enable young individuals to register for volunteering opportunities across the country. The platform has already registered more than 1.65 crore youth, creating a “phygital” (physical + digital) ecosystem designed to empower young people as agents of community transformation.
To further engage youth in India’s developmental journey, the government introduced the “Yuva Connect” program. This initiative facilitates discussions with students on the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), offering them opportunities to interact with prominent leaders and experts.
