The National Level of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026 commenced at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on Tuesday, bringing together some of the country’s brightest young minds to deliberate on the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The event was inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Secretary of the Department of Youth Affairs Pallavi Jain Govil, and other senior government officials.
The three-day programme, being organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from June 15 to 17, has brought together selected youth representatives from 757 universities and educational institutions across the country. The participants are presenting their ideas, perspectives, and policy suggestions aimed at contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of Independence.
Youth Key to India’s Development Journey: Om Birla
Addressing the gathering, LS Speaker Birla emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping India’s future and achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Describing India’s youth as aspirational, ambitious, and driven by innovation, Birla said the country’s young population represents the most powerful force behind the vision of Viksit Bharat.
“The youth of India are the greatest force behind the future of a developed nation,” he said, adding that their determination, creativity, leadership, and problem-solving abilities would play a decisive role in transforming the country’s development aspirations into reality.
LS Speaker Birla expressed confidence that Indian youth would emerge as global leaders in science, technology, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the coming decades.
“The entire world today looks at India’s youth as a symbol of hope, confidence, and future possibilities,” he said.
Highlighting the collective nature of the Viksit Bharat mission, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the vision of a developed India was not the objective of any single government, institution, or individual but a national aspiration shared by 140 crore Indians.
“The dream of Viksit Bharat is a shared national resolution of 140 crore Indians,” he said.
He added that the responsibility of achieving this goal rests significantly on the shoulders of today’s youth, whose energy, innovation, courage, and commitment would serve as the driving force behind India’s transformation over the next two decades.
Youth Are Not Just the Future, They Are the Solution: Mandaviya
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, while addressing the delegates, highlighted the transformative role that young people can play in nation-building.
Welcoming the participants, he congratulated them for securing a place at the national-level event through a rigorous selection process and described the opportunity to present ideas before the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as both an honour and a responsibility.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a developed India by 2047, Mandaviya urged the youth to actively participate in achieving this national objective.
“The Prime Minister has envisioned a developed India by 2047, when the nation will celebrate 100 years of Independence. The youth must become active contributors to this mission,” he said.
The Minister highlighted India’s demographic advantage, noting that nearly 65 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35.
“This demographic dividend is our strength and our power. The youth are not only our future; they are also the solution,” he said.
Mandaviya said if India’s youth collectively commit themselves to addressing national challenges, they can find solutions to every major issue facing the country.
One Lakh Youth Leaders to Be Prepared for Nation-Building
Mandaviya also spoke about PM Modi’s call to develop a new generation of young leaders from diverse backgrounds, including tribal communities, coastal regions, rural areas, and the North-East.
“The Prime Minister has said that one lakh such youth leaders must be prepared to contribute to nation-building. The Ministry of Youth Affairs has taken up this responsibility,” he said.
The Minister noted that empowering young leaders from every section of society would ensure broader participation in governance and national development.
MY Bharat Initiatives Encouraging Youth Participation
Highlighting various youth-focused programmes launched under the MY Bharat platform, Mandaviya said several initiatives are helping young people engage directly with governance, policymaking, and community development.
These include Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue; Vibrant Village Programme; Viksit Bharat Budget Quiz; Yuva Connect; and Experiential Learning Programmes.
The Minister said these initiatives are providing opportunities for youth to gain practical exposure to public service, policymaking, leadership, and grassroots development.
‘Gen Z Means Passion and Enthusiasm’
Speaking about the younger generation, Mandaviya described Gen Z as a generation full of energy, ideas, and determination.
“Gen Z means passion and enthusiasm. Their ideas and energy must be channelled towards nation-building,” he said.
He emphasized that platforms such as the Youth Parliament provide aspiring leaders with valuable opportunities to debate, discuss, learn, and contribute constructively to national progress.
Platform for Democratic Participation
The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament has been designed to deepen youth engagement with democratic institutions and parliamentary processes.
The Ministry said the programme offers participants hands-on exposure to governance, public policy, parliamentary procedures, and democratic deliberation.
The national-level event has brought together top-performing youth delegates from all States and Union Territories, enabling them to discuss issues of national importance while contributing ideas for India’s long-term development.
Participants are expected to engage in debates and discussions on a wide range of themes linked to economic growth, social development, innovation, governance, sustainability, and nation-building.
Building the India of 2047
The Youth Parliament forms part of the Government’s broader effort to involve young citizens in shaping the country’s future roadmap.
By creating opportunities for dialogue between policymakers and young leaders, the initiative seeks to ensure that the aspirations, concerns, and ideas of India’s youth are reflected in the nation’s development journey.
As India moves towards the centenary of its Independence in 2047, policymakers view the country’s young population as one of its greatest strengths. Through initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, the Government aims to harness this demographic advantage and encourage youth participation in building a developed, inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive India.
The three-day event will conclude on June 17, with participants expected to present recommendations and perspectives on the roadmap for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
