Parallel to CJP protest, Centre holds youth convention in Delhi

Even as thousands converged at Jantar Mantar in the Capital on Saturday to participate in a protest organised by the online platform Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against alleged irregularities in the education system and to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Government — in what appeared to be a move to counter the agitation — held a youth convention attended by thousands of youngsters, Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Notably, the government has not officially responded to the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. However, the decision to hold a youth convention — organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on the same day as the protest — was difficult to overlook.

Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya said India’s youth constituted the nation’s greatest strength and would play a central role in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a Viksit Bharat shaped by the ideas, innovation and aspirations of young Indians,” he said.

He highlighted India’s demographic advantage, noting that nearly 65 per cent of the population was below the age of 35.

“The youth are our strength, our pride, our resolve, and our future. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented opportunities have been created for young Indians to innovate, excel, and contribute to nation-building. Whether in start-ups, sports, public service, entrepreneurship, or the creative industries, young Indians are showcasing their talent and enhancing the country’s global standing,” he said.

Titled the MY Bharat Youth Convention and organised at Thyagaraj Sports Complex, the event drew around 6,000 young participants, according to official sources. The gathering comprised students, young professionals, women, entrepreneurs, content creators, innovators, emerging leaders and achievers.

Among those who interacted with MY Bharat NSS volunteers were singer and MLA Maithili Thakur, actor Vikrant Massey, entrepreneur Aman Gupta, and cricketer Jitesh Sharma. They shared their experiences and exhorted young people to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development.