New Delhi, February 6: The voices of the nation’s youth are no longer confined to platforms; they are now integral to policy and budget discussions. The ‘Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026′ exemplifies this shift.
Approximately 3,000 selected youths from across the country presented their ideas to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who not only listened attentively but also incorporated several suggestions into the central budget.
Participant Ritam Bhattacharya from West Bengal described the experience of sharing youth perspectives with the Prime Minister as unforgettable. He noted that the Prime Minister carefully considered each point before sharing his thoughts. During the dialogue, various ministers also provided their insights on the suggestions.
Ritam expressed pride when he saw the budget on Sunday morning, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the inclusion of many youth ideas from the ‘Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’.
Disha Goyal from Delhi found the experience highly inspiring. She highlighted that it was the first time a platform existed where youth voices were not only heard but acted upon. Disha noted that this year’s budget allocated space and funding for youth suggestions, proving that the motto ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ is becoming a tangible reality.
Disha also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi appreciated their ideas and offered significant suggestions. On the topic of ‘One Nation, One Election’, he emphasized the need to engage all political parties and raise awareness about this issue. The Prime Minister advocated for encouraging first-time voters, suggesting that they should be welcomed similarly to how children are excited about going to school.
Deepak Sharma from Rajasthan shared that the Prime Minister stated that youth are the greatest strength in a developed India, as nearly 65% of the population is young. He stressed the importance of guiding this youth power towards a ‘democratic dividend’. Deepak also noted that during discussions on the ‘Orange Economy’, the Prime Minister highlighted the global potential of India’s ancient and Vedic culture, referencing epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He suggested that content based on these themes, or even a game featuring Hanuman, could achieve worldwide success.
Deepak reported that around 3,000 youths attended the event, and the atmosphere was charged with energy when the Prime Minister took the stage after four days of training. He also mentioned that the suggestion to welcome first-time voters resonated with the Prime Minister, leading to celebrations on January 25, where first-time voters across the country were greeted with sweets and garlands.
Anagh Saxena from Uttarakhand noted that a team of about 70-75 youths from the state participated in the program, engaging in various topics and events, including the National Youth Festival.
Diya Sharma from Punjab explained that this dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The selection process involved several stages, starting with a quiz that attracted around 5 million youths nationwide, followed by an essay competition, state-level PPT challenges, and interviews, ultimately selecting 3,000 participants. The final phase took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from January 9 to 12, culminating in a dialogue with Prime Minister Modi on January 12.
Shivang Shirodkar from Goa described the opportunity to present ideas to the Prime Minister as a dream come true. Upon reaching the stage, he felt it was the platform where the thoughts of the nation’s youth could directly influence the country’s leadership.