In a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between Government and industry for youth development, the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, organised the Industry Association Conclave at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, bringing together 20+ leading industry associations, corporates, public sector enterprises, CSR organisations and senior government officials to build strategic partnerships through the MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) ecosystem. The conclave focused on expanding opportunities for young people through skilling, volunteering, internships, entrepreneurship, innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), while advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, along with representatives from leading industry associations and CSR organisations.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that India's demographic dividend can become its greatest strength only when youth are connected with meaningful opportunities through active partnerships between Government and industry. "Nearly 65 percent of India's population is below the age of 35. Our youth are India's greatest strength and soft power. By connecting them with industry through the MY Bharat Platform, we can unlock their potential and accelerate the journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047."

Union Minister highlighted that the MY Bharat Digital Platform, envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is designed as a single window platform that connects young people with opportunities for learning, volunteering, innovation, skill development and leadership. He urged industry associations to actively leverage their CSR initiatives to create structured opportunities for youth, promote entrepreneurship and experiential learning, strengthen youth engagement around industrial clusters, and partner in the development of Vibrant Villages with MY Bharat volunteers. Stressing the need to address substance abuse among youth, he called for collective action by Government, industry and civil society to channel young people's energy towards constructive nation-building.

Addressing the conclave, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, called upon industry associations and institutions to integrate their youth initiatives with the MY Bharat Digital Platform. "Youth development is not limited to skilling alone; it is about creating responsible citizens who actively participate in building a stronger and more inclusive India. By aligning youth initiatives with the MY Bharat platform, we can ensure that opportunities reach every young citizen, including those in the remotest parts of the country."

She emphasised that MY Bharat serves as a bridge connecting talented youth with opportunities irrespective of geography and urged organisations to actively promote the Ministry's flagship initiatives through the platform. She noted that stronger collaboration between industry and youth would create new avenues for innovation, employment, entrepreneurship and community development.

Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, highlighted that MY Bharat is evolving into a comprehensive digital ecosystem that identifies young people's aspirations and connects them with opportunities for learning, volunteering, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment. She emphasised that the platform goes beyond employability by nurturing responsible citizens and active nation-builders. She also encouraged industry associations to utilise the platform for internships, mentorships, hackathons, coding competitions, innovation challenges and other knowledge-based initiatives that provide practical exposure while enabling industries to identify emerging talent.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, highlighted the immense potential of structured collaboration between industry and youth. Drawing from successful internship and citizen engagement models, she encouraged industry associations to actively support structured training, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities through their member organisations. She also emphasised that such partnerships would help young people acquire practical skills while enabling industry to identify and nurture future talent.

Representatives from leading industry associations including CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM, PHDCCI, India SME Forum, Indian Banks' Association, IPA, ISPA, SIA, NHRDN, CAIT, WTC Mumbai and AIAI, along with major CSR organisations, deliberated on collaborative models for expanding volunteering, skilling, internships and youth engagement through the MY Bharat ecosystem.

The conclave concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen Government-industry partnerships, onboard industry stakeholders onto the MY Bharat platform, and build a robust national ecosystem that expands opportunities for young people while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar