Addressing over 500 young participants virtually at IIIT Raipur, the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister calls upon youth to lead inclusive growth, innovation, and policy engagement in the journey towards a developed India by 2047.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 13,2026: Emphasising the transformative power of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s future, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said that young citizens will play a decisive role in realising the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” — a developed, self-reliant, and globally competitive India by the centenary year of Independence.
The Minister was addressing participants virtually at the national-level ‘MY Bharat Budget Quest’ programme held at Indian Institute of Information Technology Raipur on Sunday. The two-day event was organised by MY Bharat Chhattisgarh under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, drawing enthusiastic participation from more than 500 youth representatives across the state.
Youth as Drivers of Policy and Progress
In his keynote address, Mandaviya underlined that the demographic strength of India — with one of the largest youth populations in the world — is its greatest asset. He urged young minds to move beyond being mere observers of governance and instead become active stakeholders in policy formulation, innovation, and nation-building.
“Youth are not just the future of the nation, they are the architects of the present,” he said, calling upon participants to contribute meaningfully to inclusive growth, sustainable development, and technological advancement. He stressed that initiatives such as the MY Bharat Budget Quest provide a structured platform for young citizens to understand the national budget, engage in constructive dialogue, and propose forward-looking solutions.
The Minister highlighted that achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 would require a collective effort rooted in skill development, entrepreneurship, digital empowerment, and social responsibility. He encouraged participants to align their aspirations with national priorities, particularly in areas such as agriculture reform, human capital development, innovation, and climate-conscious growth.
Platform for Budget Awareness and Policy Dialogue
According to State Director (In-charge) MY Bharat Chhattisgarh, Shri Arpit Tiwari, the programme was designed to foster deeper understanding of the Union Budget and its implications on development sectors. He noted that the enthusiastic response from youth across districts reflected a growing interest in governance and economic planning.
The event featured thematic discussions on critical national issues, including Human Capital Development and ‘Viksit Krishi’ (Developed Agriculture). Participants engaged in structured deliberations, group presentations, and policy simulations, encouraging analytical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
These sessions enabled young participants to explore how budgetary allocations influence education, healthcare, rural development, employment generation, and infrastructure expansion. The interactive format of the Budget Quest encouraged the exchange of innovative ideas and constructive suggestions, reinforcing the concept of participatory governance.
State Leaders Encourage Youth Participation
At the inaugural session, Chhattisgarh Tourism Minister Rajesh Agarwal addressed the gathering, urging the youth to take pride in their role as nation-builders. He emphasised that platforms like MY Bharat empower young citizens to engage with national issues and contribute to informed public discourse.
The valedictory session was graced by Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb as Chief Guest. In his address, he encouraged participants to honour their pledges towards building a developed India by actively contributing to innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill enhancement. He said that youth-driven ideas and leadership are crucial for transforming policy vision into grassroots reality.
Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agarwal attended the programme as Special Guest. Interacting directly with the participants, he elaborated on various components of the national budget and discussed how fiscal planning impacts sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, and industry. He also responded to queries from students, making the session interactive and informative.
Director of IIIT Raipur, O. P. Vyas, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, expressing pride in hosting a national-level programme that integrates academic institutions with policy engagement and youth empowerment.
Reinforcing the Vision of a Developed India
The MY Bharat Budget Quest concluded with a strong message of youth-led transformation. Participants expressed their commitment to contribute towards inclusive growth, innovation, and social responsibility.
The event highlighted how empowering youth with knowledge of governance, budgeting, and development frameworks can strengthen democratic participation. It also aligned with the broader national vision of nurturing informed, skilled, and proactive young citizens who can lead India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
As discussions wrapped up, the overarching sentiment remained clear — India’s progress hinges not only on policy decisions but on the energy, ideas, and leadership of its youth.
