By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 13: The Northeast leg of “Mera Yuva Bharat Budget Quest 2026” concluded on Monday at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong, marking the end of a two-day programme focused on youth engagement in policy discussions and national development.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event brought together students, academicians, industry representatives and experts to deliberate on issues related to the Union Budget 2026.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the ‘MY Bharat’ platform aims to provide a unified space to guide and channel the aspirations of young people. He emphasised that today’s youth will play a central role in shaping a developed India by 2047.
He announced that the upcoming ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leader Dialogue’ will introduce a State Edition format, featuring quiz competitions to identify talented youth. Selected participants will interact with Chief Ministers and Governors, while 3,000 top performers will be invited to New Delhi to present their ideas to the Prime Minister on National Youth Day.
Meghalaya’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla conveyed a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that such platforms help generate new ideas and encourage youth participation in nation-building.
Shylla highlighted the state government’s initiatives for youth development, including a student exchange programme at various levels. He disclosed that two teams from Meghalaya will travel to Malaysia and the Philippines this year for exposure and learning. He encouraged the participants by stating that they should make the most of available opportunities.
Joint Director and State Director of MY Bharat (in charge of Mizoram) Mehbub Alam Laskar stressed the need to make the Union Budget more accessible and engaging for young citizens, while encouraging their involvement in policy discussions.
The programme included interactive sessions, where participants described “Viksit Bharat” in one word, with responses such as “hope”, “diversity” and “humanity”.
Panel discussions focused on key themes, including “Green Viksit Bharat,” where experts highlighted the importance of balancing development with environmental sustainability. Another session on “Human Capital” addressed education, skill development and employment, with emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence and aligning training with industry needs.
The event also featured a “Sundays on Cycle” rally in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India, and a Women’s Mock Parliament on the theme “Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat Ki Awaaz,” involving 40 participants.
The participants described the programme as informative and enriching, highlighting the exchange of ideas, exposure to diverse perspectives, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.
The event concluded on a high note, fostering meaningful dialogue and empowering youth to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future.
