Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra interacted with young participants at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, underscoring the decisive role of India’s youth in nation building and in achieving the national goal of a developed India by 2047.
Addressing the gathering, Malhotra welcomed the young leaders and commended their active involvement in community upliftment, social causes and development initiatives. He said the dialogue is not a ceremonial event but a constructive platform that enables young Indians to participate meaningfully in shaping national policies and priorities.
The minister said the initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s strong faith in the transformative power of youth and his commitment to empowering them as architects of India’s future. The dialogue, he noted, provides a structured space for young voices to articulate ideas, engage with national challenges and contribute practical solutions for the years ahead.
Recalling the Prime Minister’s consistent emphasis on the role of youth during the Amrit Kaal, Malhotra said young citizens will play a defining role in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He added that the Prime Minister has called for one lakh young people from non political family backgrounds to enter public life to strengthen democracy, a vision reflected in the Young Leaders Dialogue.
Highlighting the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Malhotra said it represents an inclusive roadmap encompassing economic prosperity, social progress, environmental sustainability and effective governance, with youth, the poor, women and farmers forming its backbone.
He noted that with an average age of 29, India is among the youngest nations globally, hosting nearly 20 percent of the world’s youth population. This demographic strength, he said, gives India unparalleled potential to drive economic growth, innovation and social transformation.
The minister said empowering youth through education, skills and employment remains a national priority. He cited flagship initiatives such as Rozgar Melas, PM Vishwakarma, ITI upgradation, employment linked incentive schemes and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana as key measures bridging aspiration and opportunity. Over the past one and a half years, he said, nearly 11 lakh permanent jobs have been provided, marking a significant milestone.
He also highlighted programmes focused on women empowerment through skills, entrepreneurship and technology. Initiatives including Namo Drone Didi, Mission Shakti and the Lakhpati Didi programme are enabling financial independence, leadership and sustainable livelihoods.
Referring to India’s startup ecosystem, Malhotra said the country now hosts over two lakh startups, making it the world’s third largest startup hub. These ventures have generated more than 20 lakh jobs across sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech and green energy.
The minister said India has witnessed a 36 percent rise in employment between 2016–17 and 2022–23. He pointed to major labour reforms through four labour codes and expansion of social security coverage to 64.3 percent, placing India second globally. Total employment, he said, increased from 47.5 crore in 2017–18 to 64.33 crore in 2023–24, adding 16.83 crore jobs.
Malhotra said the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue has evolved into a nationwide movement connecting youth with governance and policy making. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Jan Bhagidari, the initiative encourages young citizens to co create solutions and take ownership of India’s development journey.
Calling on youth to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, skill development, social service and environmental responsibility, he said India’s credibility, energy and optimism are stronger than ever. Concluding his address, Malhotra urged young leaders to move forward with determination and commitment, saying the nation’s future rests in their ideas, energy and leadership.
