Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Shri Harsh Malhotra, addressed young participants of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, highlighting the crucial role of India’s youth in nation-building and in realizing the national vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

Welcoming young leaders, Shri Malhotra extended special appreciation to the youth who are actively engaged in uplifting communities, advocating social causes, supporting developmental priorities, and promoting positive change. He emphasized that the Dialogue is not merely a celebratory platform, but a constructive forum that enables young Indians to meaningfully participate in shaping national policies and priorities.

Shri Malhotra noted that the initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s deep faith in the transformative power of youth and his commitment to empowering them as active architects of India’s future. The Dialogue provides a structured space where young voices can express their ideas, engage with critical national challenges, and contribute solutions for the years ahead.

Recalling the Prime Minister’s repeated message that India’s youth will shape the future of the nation during the Amrit Kaal, Shri Malhotra reiterated that young citizens will play a decisive role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, youth have consistently been recognized as the driving force behind India’s growth and progress.

Shri Malhotra stated that Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has urged  that  one lakh youth whose family members have no political background should be part of the  public life for a developed India and stronger democracy and the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue reflects the same.

MoS Malhotra highlighted that Viksit Bharat@2047 represents an ambitious and inclusive vision, encapsulating economic prosperity, social advancement, environmental sustainability, and effective governance and youth, poor, women, and farmers together form the backbone of this vision.

Minister stated that with an average age of 29, India remains one of the youngest nations globally. Nearly 20 percent of the world’s youth live in India, giving the country unprecedented potential to influence economic growth, innovation, and social transformation.

Shri Malhotra stated that empowering young people through quality education, skills, and employment remains a national priority and several flagship initiatives—including Rozgar Melas, PM Vishwakarma, ITI Upgradation, Employment-Linked Incentive Schemes, and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana—are helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.Further, over the past 1.5 years, the government has provided nearly 11 lakh permanent jobs, an unprecedented milestone.

Minister highlighted transformative programs empowering women through skill development, entrepreneurship, and technology. Initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi, Mission Shakti, and the Lakhpati Didi program are enabling financial independence, leadership, and sustainable livelihoods.

Minister stated that with more than two lakh start-ups, India today stands as the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. Start-ups have generated over 20 lakh jobs nationwide, encouraging innovation across sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, and green energy.

Shri Malhotra stated that India has witnessed a 36% increase in employment between 2016–17 and 2022–23. Major labour reforms were implemented through four labour codes, and social security coverage has expanded to 64.3%, placing India second globally in coverage. Between 2017–18 and 2023–24, total employment increased from 47.5 crore to 64.33 crore, adding 16.83 crore jobs. 

Minister stated that the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue has grown into a nationwide movement that connects youth with governance and policy discussions. Aligned with the Hon'ble prime Minister’s vision of Jan Bhagidari, the initiative encourages young people to contribute ideas, co-create solutions, and take ownership of India’s development journey.

Shri Malhotra further emphasized that every citizen must participate to build a Viksit Bharat.

Minister called on young leaders to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, social service and environmental responsibility —affirming that India’s credibility, energy, and optimism are stronger today than ever before.

Concluding his remarks, Shri  Malhotra congratulated the young participants and urged them to move forward with determination and commitment and stated that India’s future lies in the their hands and their ideas, energy, and  leadership will take the nation to new heights.

 

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GDH/SJ

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