Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday attended the send-off ceremony for students from Delhi selected to participate in the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’, scheduled to be held from January 9 to 12.

Interacting with the students, the Chief Minister said the programme is a national platform to shape the roadmap for a developed India by 2047. She encouraged the participants to play an active role in nation-building and said the energy, ideas and commitment of youth are India’s greatest strength.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

Gupta said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s youth are confident, empowered and determined to contribute to national development. She added that the talent and innovative thinking of Delhi’s youth are key to building a strong, self-reliant and developed Delhi. The Chief Minister said the dialogue is not just an event but the beginning of a journey of leadership and responsibility for young people.

Recalling her college days, Gupta said interacting with students brought back memories of her student life. She said the progress of the nation depends not only on governments and policies, but on the collective efforts of all citizens. She urged the youth to move beyond identifying problems and actively work on solutions for social and national development.

Congratulating the selected students, the Chief Minister said representing Delhi at the national platform is a major opportunity and a new beginning for them. She expressed hope that the participants would continue to contribute to the development of Delhi and the country even after returning from the programme. She assured the young leaders of the Delhi government’s support in their efforts.

Addressing the gathering, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said selection for the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ is a significant achievement. Calling the students the soul of ‘Amrit Kaal’, he said the event reflects the spirit of nation-building. He added that the ‘Team Delhi’ badge is both an identity and a responsibility.

Sood said participants from all parts of Delhi will present ideas and solutions on themes such as sustainable development, Startup Capital Delhi, a developed Delhi and innovation in governance. He added that the programme will expose young leaders to policy-making and help them understand real governance challenges.

The ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ is being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from January 9 to 12 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The national-level initiative will bring together selected youth aged 15 to 29 years from across states and union Territories to discuss and propose solutions aimed at achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.