Over 11,800 youth participated in 60 editions of ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad: Know Your Vote’, organised across 20 States and Union Territories today by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. With the latest round of programmes, a total of 220 Yuva Samvaads have been conducted across 29 States and Union Territories, engaging 43,995 youth and 220 Youth Icons.
The nationwide campaign is being conducted from 26.10.2026 to 05.11.2026, with the aim of covering 500 universities, colleges and educational institutions across the country. It seeks to promote electoral awareness among young people, particularly first-time voters, and encourage their informed participation in the democratic process. The initiative familiarises them with voting rights, electoral procedures and civic responsibilities while providing opportunities to interact with elected representatives, Youth Icons and other distinguished personalities.
In New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways Shri Harsh Malhotra attended the programme and shared insights on voting rights, the importance of electoral participation and the role of young people as responsible citizens in strengthening democracy.
In West Bengal, Member of Parliament from the Ranaghat (SC) Lok Sabha constituency, Shri Jagannath Sarkar, attended the programme in Nadia and interacted with students, while in Assam, MP Shri Devasish Sharma engaged with youth at Nagaon.
In Bihar, programmes in Purbi Champaran (Motihari) and Siwan featured the collective Loktantrik Pledge, with participants reaffirming their commitment to responsible citizenship and active participation in democracy. Shri Tarkishore Prasad, former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and MLA from Katihar Sadar, interacted with young participants during the Yuva Samvad in Katihar and encouraged them to understand the importance of their vote and actively contribute to strengthening democracy.
In Haryana, Wushu player and Youth Icon Aryan Sood interacted with young participants in Panipat on the role of youth in politics, voting awareness and career opportunities in sports. In Punjab, the programme at Mansa featured an interactive session between the Youth Icon and participants, along with the collective Loktantrik Pledge.
In Madhya Pradesh, programmes across Barwani, Balaghat, Bhind, Chhindwara, Dindori, Guna, Panna, Ratlam and Sagar featured interactions with Youth Icons, sports personalities and public representatives, and the Loktantrik Pledge. The programmes also introduced youth to MY Bharat opportunities and its digital platforms.
In Uttar Pradesh, the programme at Amethi (Sultanpur) featured a presentation by a Youth Icon, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. Influencer Rishabh Mishra addressed participants and recited poetry, while Dr. Dhananjay Singh and Shri Vishuv Mishra delivered motivational addresses and interacted with youth.
Through these programmes, MY Bharat continues to provide young people with opportunities to interact with public representatives and Youth Icons, understand electoral processes and engage in discussions on democratic participation and civic responsibilities.