The National Round of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament (VBYP) 2026 concluded with the award ceremony today at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, bringing together 105 young leaders from across States and Union Territories for two days of parliamentary deliberations, democratic engagement, and discussions on the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The award ceremony was graced by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, in the presence of Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs; and Shri Shiv Ratan, Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs.
Addressing the participants, Smt. Khadse emphasized that young people must become active stakeholders in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047. She described the Youth Parliament as a platform that enables youth to engage with democratic institutions, contribute to national discourse and nation-building, while highlighting MY Bharat as a key initiative for channeling youth aspirations and participation in India's development journey.
The programme culminated with the announcement of Winners of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026 across various categories like Best Opening Speaker [Riya Pandey, Delhi], Best Question [Apurva Sharma, Haryana], Best Responder [Kepozo Kapuh, Nagaland] and Best Short Discussion [Sain Chirag Kumar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu].
Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the programme provided a unique platform for youth to engage with democratic processes, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute their ideas towards nation-building.
The participants, selected through district and state-level rounds, represented the diversity, aspirations, and leadership potential of India's youth. Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in parliamentary proceedings, including debates, Question Hour, short-duration discussions, and thematic deliberations on issues of national importance.
The discussions reflected the awareness, creativity, and commitment of India's youth towards addressing contemporary challenges and contributing to the nation's development journey. As part of the programme, Dr. Sarah Jayal Sawkmie, Director (International Cooperation), delivered a session on India's BRICS Chairship in 2026.
She highlighted that BRICS nations account for nearly 45 per cent of the world's population and represent one of the largest youth demographics globally, describing India's demographic dividend as a source of global strength. She also spoke about India's 2026 BRICS theme, "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability."
In the closing Remarks Dr. Priyanka Shukla, CEO, MY Bharat, reflected on the participants' journey and remarked that while the programme began with 105 participants, it concluded with 105 new dreams and aspirations joining hands with MY Bharat.
Appreciating the deliberations, she noted that while the awards were limited, the talent and potential demonstrated by the participants were limitless. The programme reaffirmed the Government's commitment to empowering youth as active partners in nation-building and strengthening their role in shaping the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.