07.01.2026: Governor Acharya Devvrat interacts with youth at the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’
Governor Acharya Devvrat Interacts with Youth at ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’
Youth must contribute to building a developed India while preserving India’s cultural heritage
– Governor Acharya Devvrat
Mumbai, Jan. 7: Youth play an extremely important and invaluable role in the national resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047. Young people must come forward with progressive thinking, decisive action and innovative ideas, while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, and contribute actively to the vision of a developed India, Governor Acharya Devvrat said.
The Governor interacted via video conferencing with youths selected from Maharashtra for the national competition under the National Youth Festival – Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025–26.
The interaction was held at Sahyadri Guest House in the presence of Principal Secretary, Sports Department Sanjay Khandare; Secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Naranware; Joint Secretary S. Ramamurthy; Deputy Secretary, Sports Department Sunil Pandhare; Assistant Director Milind Dixit; Deputy Director of Sports, Mumbai Division, Suvarna Bartakke; and students selected for the National Youth Festival.
Describing participation in the National Youth Festival as a matter of pride and inspiration for the youth of the state, Governor Acharya Devvrat extended his best wishes to the youths selected for the dialogue programme to be held in New Delhi.
Addressing the youth, the Governor said the initiative is being implemented in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The National Youth Festival, held annually on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, has been given a new format, with competitive examinations conducted for students across all states. Through this process, 3,000 meritorious youths will get the opportunity to interact directly with the Prime Minister during the festival. The Governor lauded the selected youths for their hard work, perseverance and merit, stating that their selection is a recognition of their role in building a developed nation.
India is a nation of youth, Governor Acharya Devvrat said, expressing confidence that young people can accelerate the country’s development. He underlined that India’s progress is not limited to economic or material advancement alone, but also includes the preservation of culture, civilisation, traditions and moral values. India’s identity is rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family—and the country has spread the message of humanity across the globe through its saints and spiritual leaders, he added.
The Governor further said that India is making progress across all sectors. Through startups and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the country is advancing rapidly on the global stage. India has become the world’s fourth-largest economy and is steadily moving towards the third position. The benefits of development are reaching the grassroots level. Emphasising that youth possess the potential to make India self-reliant, prosperous and powerful, he urged them not to be disheartened by failures, but to contribute to nation-building through hard work, perseverance and positive thinking.
During the interaction, the Governor also addressed questions raised by the students and offered guidance. At the conclusion of the programme, selected youths were symbolically presented kits by dignitaries.
The National Youth Festival for the year 2025–26 will be held in New Delhi from January 9, 2026. Under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, online competitions were conducted in three stages—Stage I: Viksit Bharat Quiz,Stage II: Essay Writing Competition,Stage III: Viksit Bharat PPT Challenge.
Through these competitions, 45 youths were selected from the state. In addition, 28 artists were selected from the cultural category under district-, divisional- and state-level youth festivals, while five participants were selected through the Design for Bharat and Hack for Social Cause competitions. A total contingent of 85 members, including selected youths and accompanying officials, departed from Mumbai today for New Delhi to participate in the national competition.
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