The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), organised the Youth for Viksit Bharat: MY Bharat Youth Convention at Swatantrata Bhavan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, on 10 October 2026. The convention brought together youth achievers, sportspersons, digital content creators and emerging leaders to celebrate their accomplishments and encourage active youth participation in nation-building.
The event was graced by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Girish Chandra Yadav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Welfare and Sports, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Sunil Paliwal, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India. Indian cricketer Shri Dhruv Jurel and Shri Vishal Chaturvedi, director of Hanuman Ansh, also interacted with the young participants.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya urged young Indians to become active partners and ambassadors of Viksit Bharat, emphasising that the nation’s development must be shaped by the energy, ideas and aspirations of its youth. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, he highlighted that today’s young generation would play a decisive role in shaping India’s future.
“Viksit Bharat must be shaped by the youth, for the youth and through the youth,” the Minister said, encouraging young citizens to look beyond personal ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.
Emphasising the importance of discipline, service, responsibility and respect, Dr. Mandaviya noted that even small, sustained efforts could bring meaningful change when driven by a clear purpose. He encouraged young people to identify community needs, take constructive initiatives and translate their aspirations into action.
Highlighting the opportunities offered by MY Bharat, the Minister encouraged youth to participate in volunteering, leadership development, community service and experiential learning. He observed that India’s demographic strength could become a significant developmental advantage when young people are guided by a shared national purpose.
Dr. Mandaviya also called upon young citizens to actively support the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, stressing that substance abuse adversely affects individual potential, family well-being and national progress. He urged youth to spread awareness, promote healthy choices and use their creativity and digital influence responsibly to bring positive social change.
A major highlight of the convention was the felicitation of outstanding achievers from diverse fields. Asian Games medallists Rohit Yadav, Prachi Choudhary, Parul Choudhary, Jay Kumar and Raj Kumar Pal were recognised for their sporting accomplishments. Academic achievers Arpit Giri, Aditya Upadhyay and Avantika, who cleared the JEE and secured admission to IIT (BHU), were also honoured for their achievements
Interacting with participants, Indian cricketer Shri Dhruv Jurel shared insights into the importance of discipline, commitment and perseverance in achieving excellence in sports. Shri Vishal Chaturvedi spoke about creative expression and the role of music and cultural storytelling in connecting with young audiences.
The programme also featured a musical performance by Shri Sadhu Tiwari, associated with Hanuman Ansh, alongside folk music, a street play (nukkad natak) and a folk dance presented by MY Bharat volunteers. These cultural performances showcased India’s rich heritage and highlighted the potential of art and culture to engage and inspire young people.
The convention underscored MY Bharat’s role in connecting youth with opportunities for leadership, volunteering, experiential learning and community participation. By bringing together accomplished individuals and aspiring young leaders, the initiative encouraged peer learning, celebrated success stories and promoted greater involvement in youth-led development initiatives.
The MY Bharat Youth Convention reaffirmed the importance of nurturing talent, recognising young achievers and empowering India’s youth to contribute to the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047, guided by the spirit of service, responsibility and Nation First.
