Context: This year, the annual National Youth Festival (NYF) on January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam, will undergo a transformative reimagining as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue.

About National Youth Festival (NYF)

• Under the component ‘Promotion of National Integration’ of the National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD), a NYF is organised during the month of January every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (12 January), which is celebrated as National Youth Day.

• The festival aims to engage and empower Indian youth, fostering creativity, leadership, and national integration.

• Every year since 1985, the Government of India observes January 12 as National Youth Day and the week commencing from that day, as National Youth Week.

• NYF is organized every year from 12th to 16th January.

• It is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in partnership with one of the States/UTs which hosts the NYF. 

• The expenditure is shared between the Centre and the host State. 

• During the festival, various cultural programmes (both competitive and non-competitive), Youth convention, Suvichar, Exhibition, Adventure programmes, etc., are organized, and about 7500 youth delegates from different states/UTs take part in the festival.

• Thematic displays are also organized.

National Youth Day Festival? (NYF) 2025

• The Theme of NYF 2025 is Innovation in Science and Technology.

• NYF 2025 main event will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• The theme is “Youth for Sustainable Development,” highlighting young people’s role as drivers of global change.

What is MY Bharat’s role in the National Youth Festival?

• As an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat curates the festival’s programs, ensuring alignment with the aspirations of India’s youth.

• It provides resources, mentorship, and opportunities to address social and technological challenges, encouraging innovative solutions for nation-building.

• MY Bharat enables participation from across the country, ensuring inclusivity and broader representation.

What is the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue?

• It is an initiative launched to harness the energy, creativity, and leadership of Indian youth to contribute towards a “Developed India” or Viksit Bharat.

• It supports PM Narendra Modi’s belief in youth as central to India’s progress by providing a platform for discussions, idea exchanges, and collaboration on national challenges.