NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, addressed the ‘Youth for Viksit Bharat: MY Bharat Youth Convention’ at Thyagaraj Sports Complex in the national capital.

The convention brought together more than 6,000 young participants from across the country, representing diverse backgrounds including students, young professionals, young women, entrepreneurs, content creators, innovators, emerging leaders and achievers.

It showcased the transformative role of youth in nation-building and India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Eminent personalities including MLA and singer Smt. Maithili Thakur, actor Shri Vikrant Massey, entrepreneur Shri Aman Gupta, and Indian cricketer Shri Jitesh Sharma interacted with MY Bharat NSS volunteers and shared their experiences, encouraging young people to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Youth Convention, which witnessed the participation of over 6,000 young people, showcased major youth engagement initiatives undertaken across the country.

In his address, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr.Mandaviya underscored that India’s youth constitute the nation’s greatest strength and are central to the realization of the vision of Viksit Bharat, emphasising India’s demographic advantage, with nearly 65 per cent of its population under the age of 35.

"The youth are our strength, our pride, our resolve and our future. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented opportunities have been created for young Indians to innovate, excel and contribute to nation-building. Whether in startups, sports, public service, entrepreneurship or creative fields, young Indians are demonstrating their talent and enhancing the country's global standing," he said.

Dr. Mandaviya further highlighted the initiatives of MY Bharat, nurturing and channelising youth potential towards nation-building.

The Minister also appreciated MY Bharat's recent Guinness World Record achievement and urged young people to actively participate in the platform's programmes, volunteer opportunities and nation-building initiatives.

Calling upon young people to recognise their potential and strive for excellence, Dr. Mandaviya said, "The time belongs to the youth. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a Viksit Bharat that is shaped by the ideas, innovation and aspirations of young Indians. Together, we must build a competitive, confident and self-reliant India that fulfills the dreams of 140 crore citizens.”