Youth from J&K, Ladakh crucial in strengthening cultural, social fabric, says minister
52 youth from region in new Delhi to participate in the National Youth Festival- Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2026
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh met and interacted with the student contingent from the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh participating in ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’, at his residence in New Delhi.
The contingent comprises 52 youth from J&K and 31 from Ladakh, who are in the national capital to participate in the National Youth Festival- Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue 2026, being organised by MY Bharat, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
During the interaction, Dr Jitendra Singh met each participant individually and took keen interest in understanding their backgrounds, aspirations and the activities they would be undertaking at the national-level event.
He further emphasised the importance of national integration and unity, stating that youth from regions like J&K and Ladakh play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s social and cultural fabric. Dr Jitendra Singh encouraged the participants to use the festival to engage with peers from across India, appreciate the country’s diversity, and present youth-led solutions in areas ranging from innovation and governance to culture and social development.
The event is currently being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 10 to 12 after which the youth contingent will also have an opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The National Youth Festival is organised annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on January 12, observed as National Youth Day.
Singh said that the future of a developed India rests on the energy, innovation and leadership of its young citizens. He highlighted that the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue is not merely a festival, but a nation-building platform where ideas, creativity and leadership converge.
Dr Jitendra Singh concluded by expressing confidence that the youth from the two UTs would represent their regions with distinction at the national level platform, and return as ambassadors of positive change.
