SHIMLA -8 January, 2026-Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today formally flagged off the selected participants from Himachal Pradesh for the “Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue/ National Youth Festival-2026” from Lok Bhavan. The delegation will represent the state at the National-level event being organized by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports from 9^th to 12^th January, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. A total of 70 participants from Himachal Pradesh will take part in this.

Congratulating the young leaders, the Governor encouraged them to present their ideas with confidence and conviction. He said that ideas leave a lasting impact beyond winning or losing and recalled former President's Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words that dreams are those seen with open eyes.

He also urged the youth to stay away from drugs, stating that "only a healthy and focused generation can meaningfully contribute to building a developed India thus contributing to the nation’s progress,”.

The Governor expressed hope that the participants, representing Dev Bhoomi Himachal, would present their thoughts so effectively that they would inspire discussion and recognition at the national level.

Earlier, Assistant Director, MY Bharat Himachal Pradesh, Vijay Kumar and District Youth Officer Pradeep Kumar welcomed and honoured the Governor.

Pradeep Kumar briefed about the selection process and objectives of the dialogue, noting that it connects youth aged 15-29 with nation-building through leadership in policy, technology, sports and sustainable development.

NSS State Nodal Officer Dr. Saroj Bhardwaj proposed the vote of thanks.

Secretary to Governor C.P. Verma, Additional Director Youth Services and Sports Hitesh Azad and other officials were also present on the occasion.