Member of Parliament from Porbandar and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, urged young people to lead from the front in nation-building and play an active part in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad programme held at S. M. Jadeja Arts and Commerce College, Kutiyana, in Gujarat’s Porbandar district on 17 October 2026, he stressed how youth leadership, patriotism, civic responsibility and collective effort are central to building a developed and drug-free India.
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Pointing to the importance of the 25-year Amrit Kaal that runs up to the centenary of India's Independence in 2047, Dr. Mandaviya said that achieving a developed and self-reliant India required the shared commitment of its citizens. Citing the Panch Pran (five pledges) set out by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from the Red Fort, he highlighted the resolve for a developed India, freedom from a colonial mindset, pride in India's heritage, unity and solidarity, and the fulfilment of civic duties. He asked young people to stay informed about national and global developments and to make a meaningful contribution to the country's progress.
Stressing that young people have a decisive role in India's development journey, the Minister encouraged them to build character, discipline, a spirit of service, dedication, respect for elders, self-reliance and a habit of hard work. He noted that one need not hold a position of authority to take part in nation-building; every student, teacher, employee and citizen can contribute by doing their duties sincerely and putting the national interest first.
Dr. Mandaviya said that, under the Prime Minister’s leadership, work was under way to develop one lakh young leaders across the country. He pointed to the MY Bharat portal as a platform offering opportunities for youth participation, career guidance and leadership development. He also cited initiatives such as visits to border villages and interactions with personnel posted in difficult locations, including the Siachen Glacier, as ways to instil courage, responsibility, patriotism and a spirit of national service in young people.
Turning to the challenges of the digital era, the Minister asked young people to be careful when reading and sharing information on social media. He stressed the need to steer clear of rumours, rely on credible news sources and stay alert to misinformation and to attempts to weaken national unity and stability.
Underlining once more the importance of Nasha Mukt Bharat, Dr. Mandaviya urged young people to play an active part in building a drug-free India. He said that the country's development aspirations must be backed by a healthy and responsible young population. Encouraging young citizens to adopt the principle of ‘Nation First’, he called on them to help create a society free from substance abuse and to work together towards a fully developed India by 2047, guided by the resolve: “We Will Do It.”
The Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad programme underscored the need to equip young citizens with leadership skills, civic values and a sense of national responsibility so as to carry forward India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.