Day three of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, was held recently at Bharat Mandapam with high energy and participation. The day featured an inspiring address by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya, an interactive session with ISRO astronaut-designates and a vibrant cultural showcase celebrating India’s diversity.

Addressing the participants, Dr Mandaviya congratulated the young leaders selected from nearly 50 lakh youth across the country, noting that their nomination by States reflected strong confidence in their potential. He highlighted that the dialogue had directly connected youth with the Government of India and would culminate in the presentation of ideas before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Emphasising that the engagement continues beyond the event, he urged participants to remain active on the MY Bharat platform, connect with District Youth Officers and lead initiatives such as Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat, while working towards enrolling one crore youth on the platform.

The day began with a ‘Conversation with ISRO Astronauts and MY Bharat Volunteers’, featuring Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Nair, astronaut-designates for India’s Gaganyaan mission. Sharing experiences of spaceflight and training, Group Captain Shukla spoke about resilience, ambition and perseverance, encouraging youth to dream big and remain determined. Group Captain Nair highlighted India’s growing global role in space exploration and urged participants to remain lifelong learners rooted in Indian values.

A cultural segment titled ‘Colours of Viksit Bharat’ showcased music, dance and poetry performances by youth, reflecting creativity and national pride. Outstanding performers were felicitated by Dr Mandaviya and Union Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse, reinforcing the spirit of excellence and youth-led nation-building.

The four-day Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 will conclude on National Youth Day, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The final day will feature a grand plenary session and town-hall-style interaction with the Prime Minister, where young leaders will present ten high-impact ideas aligned with national priorities, underscoring the central role of youth in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.