New Delhi’s youth have shattered barriers, transforming their innovative thoughts into cornerstone policies of the nation’s budget. The ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’ emerged as a landmark platform where nearly 3,000 selected young minds from across India presented bold visions directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These weren’t mere discussions; they became action. Several youth-proposed ideas found their way into the central budget, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who explicitly credited the dialogue. This fusion of youthful energy and governmental responsiveness marks a new era in participatory democracy.
Rithm Bhattacharya from West Bengal, one of the presenters, described the moment as unforgettable. Standing before the Prime Minister, he shared ideas on behalf of India’s youth. PM Modi listened intently to every point, offering thoughtful responses, while cabinet ministers provided departmental insights.
The thrill peaked on budget day when Sitharaman highlighted the dialogue’s contributions. ‘It filled us with pride,’ Rithm said, underscoring how youth voices are now shaping fiscal priorities.
Disha Goyal from Delhi called it profoundly inspiring. For the first time, young suggestions didn’t just echo in halls—they translated into allocations. This embodies ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ moving from slogan to reality.
PM Modi praised Disha’s inputs, particularly on ‘One Nation, One Election.’ He stressed reaching out to all political parties and incentivizing first-time voters, akin to encouraging school attendance—with welcomes, sweets, and garlands.
Deepak Sharma from Rajasthan highlighted PM Modi’s view of youth as India’s greatest strength, comprising 65% of the population. Converting this into a ‘demographic dividend’ demands precise direction. Discussions on the ‘Orange Economy’ delved into leveraging ancient texts like Ramayana and Mahabharata for global content, even suggesting a Hanuman-themed game with worldwide appeal.
The four-day event at Bharat Mandapam buzzed with energy when PM Modi arrived. Uttarakhand’s Anagh Saxena noted 70-75 participants from her state, engaging across themes. Punjab’s Diya Sharma detailed the rigorous selection: quizzes for 50 lakh youth, essays, PPT challenges, interviews, culminating in the January 9-12 finale.
Goa’s Shivang Shirodkar likened presenting to PM Modi as a dream realized—a direct conduit from youth aspirations to national leadership. Initiatives like nationwide welcomes for first-time voters on January 25 prove youth are at the heart of Viksit Bharat.