Youth Empowerment and Nation-Building: Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect at IUST

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora. The event, organised under the banner of MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat), reflected a significant step toward empowering the youth and involving them in the nation’s long-term developmental vision. In his keynote address, LG Sinha reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment and nation-building, emphasising that the future of Viksit Bharat—a developed India—rests in the hands of its young citizens. He encouraged students to take ownership of their responsibilities as future leaders, innovators, and change makers, reminding them that India’s progress will be fuelled by their energy, creativity, and active participation. According to him, platforms like Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect are vital in nurturing dialogue, participatory governance, and leadership skills among the younger generation. The program was designed to inspire students to think beyond the classroom and actively engage with policy-making, participatory planning, and development goals aligned with the vision of India@2047. Interactive discussions and workshops provided an opportunity for students and faculty to share innovative ideas aimed at fostering inclusive development and building a self-reliant nation. By connecting youth with policymakers, the initiative bridges the gap between aspiration and action. It highlights the role of grassroots participation in strengthening democracy and ensuring that the voices of young citizens are heard in shaping national policies. As part of a nationwide campaign, the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program continues to gain momentum across India. It is not merely an event but a movement—a platform that empowers the youth to contribute meaningfully to the country’s strategic growth, governance, and vision of a developed India by 2047. In essence, the program symbolises the nation’s trust in its youth as torchbearers of progress. It reinforces the belief that the journey toward Viksit Bharat is not just a governmental mission but a collective responsibility, where young minds serve as the driving force of change and innovation.