Yuva Samvaad: One Lakh Young Leaders Plan, Says Mandaviya

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, who is also the Member of Parliament from Porbandar, called on young people to lead from the front in nation-building and to work for Viksit Bharat 2047. He was speaking at the Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad programme held on 17 October 2026 at S. M. Jadeja Arts and Commerce College in Kutiyana, in the Porbandar district of Gujarat.

One lakh young leaders

The Minister said work is under way, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, to develop one lakh young leaders across the country. He pointed to the MY Bharat portal as the route through which young people can find openings for participation, career guidance and leadership development. Visits to border villages and meetings with personnel posted at hard locations, the Siachen Glacier among them, were held up as ways to build courage, responsibility and a spirit of service.

Panch Pran and Amrit Kaal

Dwelling on the 25-year Amrit Kaal that runs up to the centenary of independence in 2047, the Minister said a developed and self-reliant country needs the commitment of every citizen. He recalled the five pledges, or Panch Pran, announced by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort:

• The resolve to build a developed India.
• Freedom from any trace of the colonial mindset.
• Pride in the heritage of the country.
• Unity and solidarity among citizens.
• The fulfilment of civic duties.

What he asked of the youth

He urged young people to build character, discipline, service, dedication, respect for elders, self-reliance and hard work, and said nation-building asks nobody to hold office: a student, a teacher, an employee or any citizen contributes by doing their duty sincerely and putting the country first. On the digital age, he asked the youth to be careful about what they consume and share on social media, to keep away from rumours, to rely on credible news and to stay alert to misinformation aimed at weakening national unity.

Returning to Nasha Mukt Bharat, the Minister said development must rest on a healthy and responsible young population, and asked young citizens to take an active part in building a drug-free India under the principle of Nation First, guided by the resolve that they will do it.