New Delhi, February 7: The 2026 central budget is more than just numbers and plans for the youth of India; it reflects their thoughts, dreams, and suggestions. During the ‘Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’, young participants not only shared their ideas with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and central ministers but also saw Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reference these suggestions in her budget speech. This is being hailed as a historic example of Youth Participation and trust.
Dipayan Sundar Ghosh from West Bengal, a participant and presenter at the dialogue, learned about the event through NSS. He decided to participate and successfully navigated various stages of the selection process.
According to Dipayan, the program included quizzes, essay competitions, state-level PPT presentations, and a national round. After these stages, he was selected as one of the 25 youths who had the opportunity to present their ideas directly to Prime Minister Modi.
“This experience was truly special. We had the chance to share the ideas we worked hard on. I felt immense pride when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned our thoughts in the 2026 budget speech,” Dipayan said.
He added that speaking directly with the Prime Minister, whom he had only seen on TV, was an unforgettable experience.
Anagh Saxena from Nainital, Uttarakhand, also participated in the dialogue. He stated that his commitment was to fulfill the vision of ‘Developed India 2047’. Anagh noted, “The proudest moment was realizing that our ideas were genuinely being heard.”
He emphasized that this was the first time youth voices were acknowledged on such a significant platform and included in the central budget. Anagh mentioned that Finance Minister Sitharaman referred to it as a ‘Youth-Driven Budget’, marking a significant achievement for young people.
Nimisha Suryavanshi from Hisar, Haryana, described her experience as historic. She shared that her ideas received detailed feedback, and she was encouraged to write them as a series or blog for publication.
“It is a matter of pride for youth that our voices not only found a place in the budget but were also included as part of an official document. This is a great step towards transforming youth power into national strength,” Nimisha stated.
She highlighted that this is the first time youth ideas and visions have been officially included in the central budget. Nimisha called it the foundation for ‘Developed India 2024’ and expressed that it would inspire youth to play a more active role in nation-building.
Aman Hembram from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, a PhD research scholar at the Central University of Jharkhand, also shared his experience. He mentioned that during a direct conversation with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, he received assurance that youth ideas would be considered.
“It felt great to see our suggestions being implemented. I thank the Union Minister for that,” Aman said. He noted that when youth ideas were presented to the Prime Minister and ministers, they were appreciated and impressed by the vision.
Reacting to Prime Minister Modi‘s statement that youth power is the greatest strength of a developed India, Aman remarked that Generation Z is ready to take the reins of the country. He emphasized that the youth are prepared to realize the dream of a developed India by 2047, provided they are given opportunities.
He also pointed out that for the first time, youth feel they are not just spectators but the heroes of the policy-making narrative. Approximately 3,000 selected youths have become the face of the ‘Developed India’ vision and commitment.
According to Aman, this budget focuses on youth, women, and a developed India. He described the emphasis on the orange economy, Digital India, drones, space, and defense startups as crucial steps towards making India a global innovation hub, asserting that brain drain will no longer be an issue, and Indian youth will play a vital role in nation-building.
