Chandigarh, October 28, 2026: MY Bharat Chandigarh, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, organised Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad – “Know Your Vote” at MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36, Chandigarh, today. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 500 female students, who engaged in an interactive dialogue with the Chief Guest, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory of Chandigarh, on electoral awareness, democratic values and responsible citizenship.

Addressing the students, the Hon’ble Governor emphasised that democracy derives its strength from the active and informed participation of its citizens, particularly the younger generation. He highlighted that voting is not merely a constitutional right but also a significant responsibility that enables citizens to shape the future of the nation. Encouraging young voters to exercise their franchise thoughtfully, he stressed the importance of making informed electoral choices based on facts, awareness and an understanding of public issues rather than being influenced by misinformation or unverified content on social media. He further underlined that the youth, especially young women, have a vital role in strengthening democratic institutions and contributing to the nation’s progress. Connecting responsible citizenship with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, he encouraged students to become active participants in nation-building and uphold the democratic and constitutional values of the country.

The highlight of the programme was the interactive Yuva Samvaad, during which students directly posed questions to the Hon’ble Governor and shared their perspectives on the theme “Know Your Vote.” The discussion provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement on electoral participation, the significance of every vote and the responsibilities of young citizens in a democracy.

Earlier, the programme commenced with Vande Mataram and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Shri Vinay Kumar, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat Chandigarh, delivered the welcome address, highlighting MY Bharat’s initiatives to promote youth leadership, civic engagement, social service and nation-building.

Ms. Mannat Jain, Youth Icon nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, delivered a presentation on “Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvaad – Know Your Vote”, emphasising electoral literacy, awareness and informed decision-making among young voters.

On the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor also felicitated two accomplished athletes from Chandigarh who recently represented India at the Asian Games held in Japan. Ms. Yashkeerat Kaur Hayer, an international fencing player, and Shri Aryan Thakur, an international soft tennis player, were honoured for their sporting achievements. Their accomplishments served as an inspiration to the students, highlighting the values of dedication, discipline and perseverance.

To reinforce the importance of democratic participation, Ms. Sunita, MY Bharat–NSS Programme Officer, administered the Loktantrik Pledge to the participants, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values and responsible citizenship.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Neena Sharma, Principal, MCM DAV College for Women, followed by the National Anthem.

The initiative reflected MY Bharat Chandigarh’s continued commitment to empowering young citizens through electoral awareness, meaningful dialogue and civic participation, while encouraging them to contribute towards building an inclusive and developed India by 2047.