Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 12th January, interacted with young people at the “Develop India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026” event held at Bharat Mandapam, where he also visited an exhibition displaying innovative ideas and projects created by students and young professionals from across the country.
#WATCH | On National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister @narendramodi participates in the concluding session of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 12, 2026
The event also features a collective… pic.twitter.com/ttU7HDUciw
Speaking to the participants, the Prime Minister said he has always trusted the younger generation first as Gujarat’s Chief Minister and now as the country’s Prime Minister. He told the audience that the energy of young people motivates him and that their success ultimately becomes the nation’s success.
According to him, today’s youth, especially Gen Z, are full of fresh thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose, and they are already playing a leading role in building a new India.
Gen Z, creativity and new opportunities
PM Modi highlighted that the current generation has more opportunities than ever before, across sectors such as technology, startups, manufacturing, and the creative economy. He encouraged young people not to fear taking risks, assuring them that the government is standing with them at every step.
He said that initiatives like Digital India have given rise to a whole new community of creators who are shaping content, culture, and innovation.
#WATCH | Delhi: At Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, PM Narendra Modi says, "In one presentation, there was mention of exporting our culture. Our stories are Ramayan, Mahabharat and many more. Can we take these to the world of gaming? Gaming is a major market, a major economy… pic.twitter.com/ZYwqsJEhnZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
Referring to the fast-growing “Orange Economy,” the Prime Minister spoke about India’s strength in culture and storytelling. He pointed out that epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are known across generations and asked whether these stories could be taken to global platforms like gaming. Calling gaming a massive international market, he said India has the potential to create world-class games rooted in its own traditions and mythology.
Swami Vivekananda and the spirit of youth
The event was held on 12th January, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, which is celebrated every year as National Youth Day. Remembering Swami Vivekananda, PM Modi said his thoughts continue to guide and inspire young Indians even today. He spoke about the idea of living with the spirit of “nation first,” where personal efforts are linked to the welfare of society and the country.
#WATCH | Delhi: At Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, PM Narendra Modi says, "…You all know that today is the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. His ideas are an inspiration to every youth even today. What is the purpose of our lives? How do we live with a sense of… pic.twitter.com/X5l3lU2v1K
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
The Prime Minister explained that 12th January was chosen for the Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue to keep Vivekananda’s ideals at its core. He praised the presentations made by participants, saying they reflect the dedication of the “Amrit Generation” and clearly show how creative and forward-looking India’s Gen Z has become.
From reforms to 2047 goals
Looking back at the past decade, PM Modi said that reforms introduced over the last ten years have now gathered speed and turned into what he described as a “reform express,” with youth power at its centre.
He reminded the audience that many of them were just 8 to 10 years old in 2014 and may not remember the period of policy delays and weak implementation that existed earlier. He said such conditions seem strange today but were common back then, and stressed how much has changed since.
#WATCH | Delhi: At Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, PM Narendra Modi says, "You are all holding the reins to the goal of Viksit Bharat. The journey to 2047, when we complete 100 years of independence, is important for India. This is the time which will be the most important… pic.twitter.com/neNgn2imLG
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
Talking about the future, the Prime Minister said 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, will be a defining milestone. He told young people that the journey to that year is crucial not only for the nation but also for their personal lives. Their hard work, strength, and achievements, he said, will give India a new direction and help the country reach greater heights.
A platform connecting youth with leadership
The Develop India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 is being held for the second time and serves as a national platform to directly connect young citizens with the country’s leadership. The programme is linked to the Prime Minister’s Independence Day call to involve one lakh non-political youth in nation-building.
This year, more than 50 lakh young people participated in the initiative at different stages between 9th January and 12th January, 2026. Participants were selected through a three-step process that included a digital quiz, an essay competition, and state-level vision presentations.
The 2026 edition also introduced new sessions such as “Design for Bharat,” “Tech for a Developed India Hack for a Social Cause,” along with focused discussions on key issues. For the first time, international participants also joined the dialogue, giving the event a global touch.
