Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday attended the send-off ceremony for selected participants from Delhi who will be representing the city at the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’, scheduled from January 9 to 12. Interacting directly with the young participants, the Chief Minister encouraged them to actively engage in nation-building and conveyed the importance of their role in shaping India’s future. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
Youth Power as the Foundation for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Addressing the students, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that the energy, vision, and commitment demonstrated by today’s youth are India’s greatest strength. She observed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, young people across the country are empowered, confident, and committed to nation-building. She emphasised that this combination of determination, innovation, hard work, and positive thinking is propelling India toward new achievements.
Rekha Gupta specifically noted that the talent, energy, and innovative mindset of Delhi’s youth are critical for a strong, self-reliant, and developed city. She described the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ as more than a platform—it is the beginning of a journey that fosters leadership, innovative ideas, and a sense of responsibility among young participants.
Recalling Her College Days
The Chief Minister shared that engaging with the students brought back memories of her own college life. Reflecting on her experiences, she remarked that she sees the same confidence, curiosity, and determination in today’s youth. She highlighted that national progress depends not only on government initiatives or policies but on the active participation and collective responsibility of all citizens. Rekha Gupta urged young participants to move beyond identifying problems to actively contributing solutions, ensuring their involvement in social and national development.
A New Beginning for Young Leaders
Congratulating the selected students, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the programme represents not just an event but the start of a significant journey for them. She expressed hope that even after returning from the national dialogue, these young leaders would remain engaged and continue contributing to the development of Delhi and the country. Addressing the students as “Young Leaders,” she assured them that the Delhi government would support them in both individual and collective endeavours.
Significance of Selection for Students
Addressing the gathering, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood called selection for the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ a notable achievement in itself. He described the event as embodying the spirit of nation-building and referred to the participants as the youth of ‘Amrit Kaal’. He stressed that the ‘Team Delhi’ badge on their jerseys is not merely an identity but a responsibility.
Sood highlighted that in the past, Delhi’s youth were divided along the lines of private and government schools. Today, the Chief Minister’s flag-off and the Prime Minister’s national initiative have brought them together. Students from all parts of the city—from Rohini to East Delhi, West Delhi to South Delhi—will present innovative solutions on key themes such as sustainable development, a developed Delhi, Startup Capital Delhi, and innovation in governance. He added that the dialogue will provide participants exposure to real governmental needs, insights into policy-making, and opportunities to drive change through fresh ideas.
About the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue
The programme is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, from January 9 to 12 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It is a national-level initiative that brings together youth from all states and union territories to engage in dialogue, deliberation, and innovation-driven problem-solving aimed at achieving India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Selected participants aged 15 to 29 years will take part in the programme, representing diverse perspectives and contributing to the nation-building process.
