Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that India’s youth are the country’s greatest strength and will play a central role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing the ‘Youth for Viksit Bharat: MY Bharat Youth Convention’ at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi, the minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a developed India driven by the ideas, innovation and aspirations of young citizens.
The convention brought together more than 6,000 participants from across the country, including students, entrepreneurs, young professionals, content creators, innovators, emerging leaders and achievers. Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, Mandaviya noted that nearly 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35. He said young Indians are excelling in fields ranging from startups and sports to entrepreneurship, public service and creative industries, enhancing India’s standing on the global stage.
The minister also highlighted the role of MY Bharat in nurturing youth potential and directing it towards nation-building. He lauded the organisation’s recent Guinness World Record achievement and encouraged young people to actively participate in its programmes, volunteer opportunities and developmental initiatives. Calling on the youth to recognise their potential and strive for excellence, Mandaviya said the future belongs to young Indians and urged them to help build a competitive, confident and self-reliant nation.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also addressed the gathering, said India’s youth are poised to take the country to greater heights through their talent, determination and hard work. Emphasising their role in nation-building, she described young Indians as hardworking, visionary, creative and courageous, adding that every achievement by the country’s youth strengthens India’s march towards becoming a developed nation. She also highlighted the importance of perseverance, discipline and dedication in achieving excellence.
The event featured interactions with several prominent personalities, including actor Vikrant Massey, entrepreneur Aman Gupta, cricketer Jitesh Sharma, and singer and MLA Maithili Thakur. Massey spoke about the growth of India’s creator economy, while Gupta shared insights into the government’s efforts to position India as a global startup hub. Jitesh Sharma encouraged aspiring athletes through his address on the theme “Play in India, Play for India”.
The convention also celebrated sporting excellence by felicitating distinguished athletes for their contributions to Indian sports. Youth Affairs Secretary Pallavi Jain Govil underlined the importance of sustained youth engagement in nation-building and reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering young leaders.
The MY Bharat Youth Convention concluded with participants taking the Viksit Bharat Sankalp, reaffirming their commitment to contributing towards a developed, self-reliant and inclusive India by the centenary year of Independence in 2047.
