Bengaluru : The two-day MY Bharat–NSS Chintan Shivir, organised by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, concluded at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) in Bengaluru. The event brought together senior officials and field functionaries of MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS) to discuss ways to strengthen youth engagement and improve programme implementation aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The programme was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse. Representatives from various States and Union Territories also participated, sharing their experiences and best practices to further strengthen youth development initiatives across the country.
Building on the first day’s discussions under the theme “Samvaad Se Samadhaan”, the second day focused on “Samadhaan Se Sankalp”, translating ideas and insights into practical action plans. Participants engaged in thematic breakout sessions and collaborative policy labs to develop strategies aimed at expanding volunteer networks, improving programme delivery, and enhancing youth outreach at the grassroots level.
During the sessions, thematic groups presented case studies and recommendations to improve youth mobilisation and coordination among institutions working for youth development. These presentations were followed by collective discussions to refine strategies and ensure effective implementation.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of State Raksha Khadse emphasised the importance of functionality over funds, urging district and regional offices of MY Bharat and NSS to focus on effective implementation and stronger grassroots engagement. She encouraged officials to extend outreach up to the Gram Sabha level so that youth development initiatives can reach villages and empower young people across rural India. She also acknowledged that challenges are inevitable but can be overcome through dedication and commitment toward achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Earlier, Director of BRIC–inStem Maneesha S. Inamdar appreciated the Chintan Shivir initiative, stating that such platforms promote dialogue and help understand ground realities faced by MY Bharat and NSS offices at the grassroots level. She noted that just as scientific ideas evolve through discussions, similar dialogues can generate practical solutions to local challenges.
Summarising the outcomes of the deliberations, Secretary of the Department of Youth Affairs Pallavi Jain Govil expressed gratitude to the Union Minister and Minister of State for their guidance and support for youth development initiatives. She highlighted the spirit of “Let’s Collaborate for Youth”, encouraging institutions and departments to join the MY Bharat platform to strengthen youth engagement nationwide.
During the concluding session, several officials and districts were recognised for their exemplary initiatives under programmes such as National Voters’ Day and Budget Quest 2026. Anil Kumar, State Director from Kerala, was honoured for the best performance in National Voters’ Day 2026, while Santhil Kumar, State Director from Tamil Nadu, received recognition for the best state performance in the Budget Quest 2026 Quiz.
At the district level, A. Nagalakshmi, District Youth Officer (Bengaluru Urban), was felicitated for the best district performance in Budget Quest 2026. Siva MS from Chennai secured the second position, while Khushboo Gupta from Hyderabad was recognised for the third-best district performance.
The recognition highlighted the growing momentum of youth engagement initiatives across states and districts and the important role played by dedicated officials in mobilising young citizens. The Chintan Shivir concluded with the guiding spirit of “Sampark Se Samvaad, Samvaad Se Samadhaan, and Samadhaan Se Sankalp”, reaffirming the commitment to empower India’s Amrit Peedhi as active partners in nation-building and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.