Kohima hosts state-level Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme

KOHIMA — The state-level Viksit Bharat Yuva connect programme was held at the Assembly Secretariat, Kohima, on Tuesday.

The event was marked by a debate competition, mock parliament, and registration on the My Bharat Portal.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Anthony Ngullie, Commissioner and Secretary of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) Nagaland, stated that the event is a visionary initiative that truly embodies the spirit of New India.

Highlighting that the term Viksit Bharat means “Developed India,” he explained that it represents the ambitious national goal of transforming India into a fully developed nation by the year 2047, when the nation will celebrate 100 years of independence.

He described it as a collective dream, emphasising that it is not merely a government mission, and asserted that there is no one better than the youth of India to drive this transformation.

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Ngullie explained that the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect is more than a programme—it is a platform for engagement, empowerment, and action. He added that the programme is spearheaded by the Government of India and brings young minds and national policymakers together, encouraging dialogue and participation in the journey towards nation-building.

It involves inspirational interactions with students and youth across the country, as well as competitions like debates, quizzes, and essay writing on topics related to development, along with opportunities to directly share ideas on innovation, technology, sustainability, and social reform.

 “This initiative gives us a chance to not just dream about the India of 2047, but to create it ourselves,” he said.

The official stated that the youth have a huge role in Viksit Bharat, highlighting that with over 65% of India’s population under the age of 35, we are the world’s largest youth power.

That power must be harnessed for innovation in technology, agriculture, education, space, entrepreneurship, job creation, sustainability, and climate action, besides inclusive development where no citizen is left behind.

Read more: Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme: Youth parliament, debate contests held in Mon, Wokha

In order for this to happen, he emphasised the importance of taking responsibility, stating that Viksit Bharat will not be built by chance—it will be built by vision, values, and action. He added, “Our ideas matter, and our actions matter even more.”

He urged the youth to become change-makers, not just dreamers, so as to be the builders of tomorrow, not just the inheritors of today.

Ngullie also reminded the youth that the power to transform the country lies within each of them, and in this regard, challenged them to rise to the occasion with energy, unity, and purpose to connect, contribute, and create a Developed India.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Naroenla, Youth Resources Officer, while Rokovikho Chalie from Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) briefed the participants and informed them that the winners will get a chance to represent the state at the national level. Chalie also urged the youth to register themselves on the My Bharat Portal.

The programme was led by Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources & Sports, who said the event had participation from 14 districts of Nagaland. He also stressed the importance of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Later, in the valedictory function, Thejasevi Putsure, young entrepreneur, showcased the Viksit Bharat presentation, and a special address was delivered by Khruohituonuo Rio, Secretary in-charge, Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Winners of the State Level Youth Parliament Competition are Neiketounuo Thapo, Chümoukedima (First), Limugha G, Niuland (Second) and Sentirenla VA Pienyu, Dimapur (Third).

Winners of the Nagaland State Level Debate Competition are Temnyei M Konyak, Mon (First), Illihima H Yepthomi, Zunheboto (Second), for the motion; and Sashikumzuk, Mokokchung (First) and Kozo Venuh, Phek (Second), for against the motion.