The Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) is part of India’s long-term vision, in which youth are not merely beneficiaries of policies but active participants in policy-making and national direction. India is the youngest country in the world, with more than 65 percent of the population under the age of 35. Therefore, it is clear that the dream of a developed India by 2047 can only be realized if the energy, innovation, and leadership potential of youth are channelled and provided the right platform. VBYLD embodies this objective. This initiative empowers youth to shape the nation’s future by providing them opportunities for dialogue, discussion, policy suggestions, and leadership development.
The soul of democracy lies in dialogue. The Develop India Young Leaders Dialogue serves as a bridge between youth and governance. Traditionally, policymaking was confined to a limited circle, but through this initiative, youth have the opportunity to directly present their problems, aspirations, and solutions. This not only deepens democratic participation but also makes governance more accountable and inclusive. When youth see their voices reflected in policymaking, their faith in democracy and sense of responsibility are strengthened.
Empowering youth leadership isn’t limited to political leadership. VBYLD prepares youth for leadership in social, economic, technological, and environmental sectors. Through dialogue and discussion, youth develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and long-term vision. This inspires them to rise above immediate gains and consider the broader goals of national interest and sustainable development. This initiative thus fosters value-based, sensitive, and visionary leadership.
Sustainable development by 2047 is both India’s greatest challenge and need. Ensuring social justice, environmental protection, and inclusiveness alongside economic growth is a complex task. The Young Leaders Dialogue provides young people with an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals and empowers them to be part of the solution. Young people share their experiences and innovative ideas on issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, urbanization, unemployment, and inequality. This makes policies more practical, grounded, and future-proof.
VBYLD also plays an important role in education and skills development. During the dialogue, youth highlight shortcomings in the education system, skills mismatches, and the need for employable training. This helps the government align education and skills policies with the actual needs of youth. India aims to become a knowledge-based economy by 2047, and this is only possible if youth have access to quality education, digital literacy, and opportunities for innovation. The Young Leaders’ Dialogue serves as a thought laboratory in this direction.
Social justice and inclusivity are central themes of GS Paper II, and VBYLD contributes to this. India is a country of diversity—across caste, class, gender, region, and culture. The Young Leaders Dialogue promotes inclusive thinking by bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds. When rural, urban, tribal, minority, and women youth communicate together, policy proposals become more balanced and equitable. This initiative helps bring the voices of marginalized groups to the mainstream.
Youth are the biggest change agents in the digital age. VBYLD broadens youth participation by using digital platforms and communication. This breaks down geographical barriers and allows young people from remote areas of the country to become part of the national discourse. Digital participation increases transparency, accessibility, and speed, which are essential elements of good governance. This role of youth leadership will be crucial in realizing the vision of Digital India by 2047.
Youth participation in policymaking shouldn’t be limited to suggestions, but should extend to implementation and monitoring. VBYLD fosters a sense of responsibility among youth, enabling them to become solution-makers, not just critics. When youth are involved in policy development, their participation in its successful implementation becomes natural. This bridges the gap between policy and society.
The role of youth leader dialogues is also crucial in economic development. Young people share their experiences and aspirations on topics such as startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliant India. This accelerates job creation, MSME empowerment, and innovation-led growth. India aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2047, and young entrepreneurs and leaders will play a central role in this.
Development is incomplete without environmental sustainability. Young people are inherently more sensitive to the environment, as they bear the greatest price for the future. VBYLD gives young people the opportunity to provide leadership on environmental protection, renewable energy, sustainable consumption, and green development. This helps to strike a balance between development and the environment.
Ultimately, the Develop India Young Leaders Dialogue is not just a program, but a vision. It empowers India’s youth to dream, ask questions, propose solutions, and lead. To make India a developed, inclusive, and sustainable nation by 2047, youth must be at the center of policymaking. VBYLD is a powerful step in this direction, empowering young leadership to play a decisive role in ensuring India’s future is secure, just, and prosperous.
