The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue is set to transform the National Youth Festival 2025. Announced by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, this initiative aims to enhance youth participation in India’s development. The festival will allow young leaders from across the country to share their ideas directly with the Prime Minister. This is part of a broader vision to empower youth and encourage their involvement in politics and civic life.
Objectives of the Dialogue
The main goals of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue are twofold. First, it seeks to bring new youth leaders into the political arena. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s call for one lakh youth from non-political backgrounds to engage in public life. Second, it aims to ensure youth contribute meaningfully to India’s progress through a transparent, merit-based selection process.
Viksit Bharat Challenge Overview
The Viksit Bharat Challenge consists of four stages designed to engage youth. – Round 1 – A digital quiz on the MY Bharat platform tests participants’ knowledge of India’s achievements. – Round 2 – Winners submit essays on themes like ‘Tech for Viksit Bharat’. – Round 3 – State-level presentations allow participants to pitch their ideas. – Round 4 – The National Championship at Bharat Mandapam will showcase the best ideas to the Prime Minister.
Participation and Selection
About 3,000 youth will be selected for the festival. Participants will come from various backgrounds. This includes those from the Viksit Bharat Challenge, district and state-level festivals, and notable youth icons in fields like entrepreneurship and technology.
Major Highlights of the Festival
The festival will feature several key activities. – Viksit Bharat Exhibition – This will showcase youth-focused initiatives from various states and ministries. – Plenary Sessions – National and global leaders will engage with youth through workshops and dialogues. – Cultural Celebrations – The festival will celebrate India’s heritage, denoting the balance of progress and tradition.
Empowering Youth for Development
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue represents movement aimed at empowering India’s youth. It offers a platform for young minds to present their ideas and collaborate on the vision of a developed India. Information regarding the event will be available on the MY Bharat platform.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of youth in shaping India’s political landscape in the 21st century.
- What are the key features of the Viksit Bharat Challenge? Explain its significance for youth engagement.
- Explain the concept of youth empowerment. How can it influence national development?
- With suitable examples, comment on the importance of cultural heritage in the context of modern development initiatives.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of youth in shaping India’s political landscape in the 21st century.
- Youth represent demographic, making up about 50% of India’s population, thus having a strong potential to influence political decisions.
- The rise of social media has empowered youth to mobilize and voice their opinions on political issues, leading to increased political awareness and participation.
- Youth-led movements, such as the anti-corruption protests and climate activism, demonstrate their capacity to challenge existing political norms and advocate for change.
- Government initiatives, like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, aim to engage youth in politics, encouraging a new generation of leaders.
- Engaging youth in politics can lead to innovative solutions to contemporary issues, ensuring that the political landscape is more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.
2. What are the key features of the Viksit Bharat Challenge? Explain its significance for youth engagement.
- The Viksit Bharat Challenge consists of four stages – a quiz, essay writing, state-level presentations, and a national championship.
- It encourages youth participation by testing knowledge, encouraging creativity, and providing a platform for presenting ideas to decision-makers.
- The challenge emphasizes themes relevant to national development, such as technology and youth empowerment, aligning with India’s broader goals.
- It promotes a merit-based selection process, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute to national discussions.
- By engaging youth in this structured manner, it cultivates leadership skills and enhances their understanding of civic responsibilities.
3. Explain the concept of youth empowerment. How can it influence national development?
- Youth empowerment involves providing young people with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to take charge of their lives and contribute to society.
- Empowered youth are more likely to engage in civic activities, participate in governance, and advocate for their rights and needs.
- By encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among youth, empowerment can lead to economic growth and job creation, addressing unemployment issues.
- Youth involvement in decision-making processes ensures that policies reflect their aspirations, leading to more effective governance.
- Empowering youth promotes social cohesion and stability, as it reduces disenfranchisement and encourages active citizenship.
4. With suitable examples, comment on the importance of cultural heritage in the context of modern development initiatives.
- Cultural heritage enriches national identity and pride, which can enhance social cohesion and community engagement in development initiatives.
- Initiatives like the celebration of India’s diverse traditions during festivals promote tourism and local economies while preserving cultural practices.
- Integrating cultural heritage into education can encourage respect for diversity and encourage youth to engage with their history, as seen in programs showcasing traditional arts.
- Modern development projects, such as heritage conservation, can create employment opportunities in restoration and tourism sectors, benefiting local communities.
- Examples like the revitalization of historical sites for public use demonstrate how cultural heritage can be aligned with sustainable development goals, benefiting both society and the economy.
