QuoteSports has been given a place of pride in the recent National Education Policy: PM
QuoteExhorts young sportspersons to remember that they are the brand ambassadors of Aatmnirbhar Bharat

Namaskar!

The valleys of Gulmarg may still have chilly air, but every Indian can feel and see your warmth and energy. The second edition of the Khelo India-Winter Games is starting from today. Besides India's effective presence in International Winter Games, it is a major step towards making Jammu-Kashmir a major hub of the winter games. I convey my best wishes to Jammu and Kashmir and all the sportspersons from all over the country.

All the players from different parts of the country are also strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat. I am told that the number of states and union territories participating in the Winter Games has more than doubled this time. It showcases the growing trend and enthusiasm towards the Winter Games across the country. Last time, the Jammu-Kashmir team performed marvelously. I am sure that this time there will be a better challenge to the talented team of Jammu-Kashmir from the rest of the teams, and the players from all over the country will see and learn from the skills and potential of their counterparts from Jammu-Kashmir. I am also confident that the experience of the Khelo India Winter Games will be of immense help in enhancing India’s pride in the Winter Olympics.

Friends,

The games in Gulmarg prove Jammu-Kashmir is raring to touch the new heights of peace and development. These Winter Games will help develop a new sporting ecosystem in Jammu-Kashmir. The two Khelo India Centers of Excellence in Jammu and Srinagar and Khelo India Centres in 20 districts offer huge facilities to young sportspersons. Such centres are being opened in every district across the country. Moreover, the event is also going to give new energy and enthusiasm to the tourism of Jammu and Kashmir. And we can also notice that the difficulties that were caused by the corona are also gradually reducing.

Friends,

Sports is not just a hobby or time pass. We learn team spirit from sports, find a new way in defeat, learn to repeat victory, and become committed. Sports forges the life of every single person and his lifestyle. Sports enhances confidence, which is equally important for self-reliance.

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Friends,

It is not that a country in the world becomes great because of only economic and strategic might. There are many other aspects. A scientist brightens his country's name all over the world with his small innovation. There are many such areas. But, sports has developed in a very organized and structured way today that also introduces the country’s image and power in today’s world. Many smaller countries in the world make their identity in the world because of sports and inspire and energise the entire country through that sport. And, therefore, sports just cannot be called a competition of win or loss. It is not that sports is limited to only medals and performances. Sports is a global phenomenon. We understand this in India in the realm of cricket, but it applies to all international sports. With this vision, the sports eco-system reforms are being carried out in the country over the years.

We are moving ahead with a holistic approach from the Khelo India campaign to the Olympic podium scheme. The government is also hand holding sports professionals to identify the talent from the grassroots level and bring it to the largest platform. Transparency is the priority of the government from identifying talent to team selection. It is also being ensured to enhance the dignity of players who have glorified the country throughout their life and the new players can avail the advantage of their experience.

Friends,

Sports has also been given a lot of importance in the new national education policy. Earlier sports was considered to be just extra-curricular activity, now sports will be a part of the curriculum. The grading of sports will also count in children's education. This is a very big reform for sports and our students. Friends, Sports Institutes of Higher Education and Sports Universities are being opened in the country today. Now is the time to think about how to take sports sciences and sports management down to school level. It will give a better career opportunity to our youth and will also increase India's share in the sports economy.

 

My young friends,

While exhibiting your talent in Khelo India-Winter Games, you also have to remember that you are not just part of a game, but you are also a brand ambassador of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The wonders that you do in the field gives India recognition in the world. So whenever you step into the field, always keep the Bharatbhoomi in your mind and soul. It will not only sparkle your game, but your personality as well. Whenever you are in the playground, you are not alone, 130 crore countrymen are with you.

Once again, you enjoy and perform this festival of games in this pleasant atmosphere. My best wishes to all of you once again. I congratulate hon’ble Manoj Sinha ji, Kiren Rijiju ji, all other organizers and the people of Jammu-Kashmir for this splendid arrangement.

Thanks!

 

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On the occasion of National Youth Day, PM to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 on 12th January
January 10, 2025
QuotePM to interact with 3000 young leaders selected through a merit-based, multi-level selection process from over 30 lakh participants
QuoteYoung leaders to make presentations to PM, reflecting innovative ideas and solutions to address some of India's most pressing challenges
QuoteIn a unique initiative, youth to get an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and aspirations directly to PM during lunch

On the occasion of National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 on 12th January, at around 10 AM, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He will engage with 3,000 dynamic young leaders from across India. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue aims to break the 25 year old tradition of holding the National Youth Festival in a conventional manner. It aligns with the Prime Minister's Independence Day call to engage 1 lakh youth in politics without political affiliations and provide them a national platform to make their ideas for Viksit Bharat, a reality. In line with this, on this National Youth Day, Prime Minister will participate in multiple activities designed to inspire, motivate, and empower the nation's future leaders. Innovative young leaders will make ten powerpoint presentations representing the ten thematic areas pivotal to India’s development before the Prime Minister. These presentations reflect the innovative ideas and solutions proposed by young leaders to address some of India's most pressing challenges.

Prime Minister will also release a compilation of best essays written by participants on the ten themes. These themes encompass diverse areas such as technology, sustainability, women empowerment, manufacturing, and agriculture.

In a unique setting, Prime Minister will join the young leaders for lunch, providing them an opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and aspirations directly to him. This personal interaction will bridge the gap between governance and youth aspirations, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility among the participants.

During the Dialogue, which is starting from 11th January, the young leaders will engage in competitions, activities, and cultural and thematic presentations. It will also include deliberations on the themes led by mentors and domain experts. It will also witness cultural performances showcasing India's artistic heritage while symbolizing its modern advancements.

The 3,000 dynamic and motivated youth have been selected to participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, through the Viksit Bharat Challenge, a meticulously crafted, merit-based multi level selection process to identify and showcase the most motivated and dynamic young voices from across the nation. It included three stages with participants ranging from 15 - 29 years. The first stage, Viksit Bharat Quiz, was conducted in 12 languages for youth from all states to take part, and saw participation of around 30 lakh young minds. Qualified quiz participants progressed to the 2nd stage, essay round, where they articulated their ideas on ten pivotal themes critical to realizing the vision of a "Viksit Bharat", which saw over 2 lakh essays being submitted. In the 3rd stage, State Rounds, 25 candidates per theme advanced to participate in rigorous in-person competitions. Each state identified its top three participants from each track, forming dynamic teams for the national event in Delhi.

1,500 participants from the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track, representing the top 500 teams from State Championships; 1,000 participants from the Traditional Track, chosen through state-level youth festivals, cultural programs, and exhibitions on innovation in science and technology; and 500 Pathbreakers, invited for their groundbreaking contributions in different areas will be participating in the Dialogue.