Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse engaged with a vibrant group of 500 youth volunteers at a special interactive session held in New Delhi today. The Youth volunteers, 400 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and 100 MY Bharat volunteers, from across the country have been invited as special guests in the Independence Day ceremony 2024.

Expressing his admiration for the youthful energy and commitment of the volunteers, Dr. Mandaviya stated, "Our young volunteers are the true torchbearers of change and progress. Their enthusiasm and dedication to nation-building are inspiring."

Speaking about the importance of service to others, he emphasized, "Service is part of our culture. Helping each other is ingrained in our upbringing. These values will aid you in overcoming challenges and building a developed India."

He highlighted the importance of youth involvement in community service and national development. He encouraged the volunteers to continue their efforts in various fields in the spirit of social service, emphasizing that their contributions are vital in realising the Prime Minister's vision of transforming India into a developed country by 2047.

Recognising the potential of youth, Dr. Mandaviya said, “I see immense potential in each of you. Over the past decade, the government has created numerous opportunities for youth to excel across various fields, whether through fostering entrepreneurship and innovation with initiatives like the MUDRA Yojana and Start-Up India or nurturing sports talent through the Khelo India program.”

He further urged the youth to visit key destinations in New Delhi, such as the National War Memorial, Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, Kartavya Path, and other significant monuments.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, lauded the special guests for their impactful work, including their involvement in the Meri Mati, Mera Desh campaign, the creation of Amrit Vatika, and various community-focused initiatives such as plantation drives, blood donation camps, and road safety awareness.

The event was marked by an engaging dialogue between the Union Minister and the volunteers, where the minister shared insights into the government's initiatives aimed at empowering youth and fostering a culture of volunteerism. The volunteers, in turn, shared their experiences and learnings, providing valuable feedback for enhancing the impact of youth-led programs and making MY Bharat portal more robust.

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Himanshu Pathak