A delegation of 45 youth representatives from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is set to participate in the National Youth Festival: Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue – 2026 (NYF-VBYLD), a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at empowering young leaders to contribute to nation-building through culture, innovation, and social responsibility. The four-day national event will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 9 to 12, 2026.
Implemented under the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the NYF-VBYLD provides a national platform for young leaders to showcase talent, share innovative ideas, and engage in dialogue on social issues. The delegation from the Islands represents a wide range of disciplines, including folk song, folk dance, painting, poetry writing, and declamation contests, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Among the selected youth, 11 participants will join the Young Leaders Dialogue Track, while three will take part under the “Hack for Social Cause” initiative, both coordinated by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The cultural track participants, facilitated by MY Bharat, include 13 in folk song, 13 in folk dance, two in painting, one in poetry writing, and one in the declamation contest.
The delegation was flagged off at Netaji Stadium, where Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, interacted with the youth and encouraged them to uphold discipline, cultural pride, and national responsibility. He emphasized the crucial role of youth as future leaders and their contribution to India’s development goals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prakash Adhikari, Adhyaksh of Zila Parishad, South Andaman, highlighted the importance of leadership, skill development, and capacity-building in shaping socially responsible young citizens. Biswanath Sen, Assistant Director of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Sukhranjan Biswas, Joint Director, MY Bharat, Sri Vijaya Puram, assured the delegation of continued institutional support for youth empowerment in the Islands.
The National Youth Festival 2026 aims to foster cultural exchange, leadership development, and innovation among young leaders from across India. The program combines workshops, discussions, and performances to cultivate creativity, enhance social engagement, and build a network of future leaders equipped to contribute to the country’s growth.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting social responsibility, and providing a national stage for youth to engage with critical issues, while celebrating India’s cultural diversity. The participation of the Andaman & Nicobar delegation marks a significant opportunity for Island youth to contribute to the broader dialogue on nation-building and innovation.
