Youth are the real architects of ‘Viksit Bharat–2047’: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, February 2026 : Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the ‘Sahitiyam-2026’ National Literature Festival organized at CGC University, Mohali, today, described the youth as the core foundation of the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’. He said that this festival is not merely an event but a platform of the consciousness of a new India, where the youth are shaping the direction of nation-building through their ideas and resolve. The Chief Minister emphasized that Viksit Bharat does not only mean economic or technological progress, but also the creation of a society that is rich in thought, strong in values, and socially sensitive.

The Chief Minister highlighted that India is the youngest nation in the world and that this demographic strength is its greatest asset. Referring to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat–2047’, he said that today’s students will be the leaders of that developed India, and therefore education must nurture not just skills but also values and national commitment.

The Chief Minister also participated in the lighting of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Jyoti’, calling it a symbol of collective resolve to contribute towards nation-building. He appreciated the festival’s role in spreading awareness about the Viksit Bharat mission among youth through literature, culture and dialogue.

He said under the Prime Minister’s leadership, sectors such as startups, innovation, digital technology, green energy and self-reliance are opening new avenues for youth. He added that the Haryana Government is actively working to empower young people through quality education, skill development, transparent recruitment, startup support and sports promotion.

He informed that in the past year alone, 34,000 youths were recruited into government jobs purely on merit without “kharchi-parchi”, and over the last 11 years, 1.8 lakh youths have been provided employment based on merit. He also spoke about steps taken to secure the future of youth working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam.

The Chief Minister further stated that to curb illegal migration through the “donkey route”, the Haryana Government passed a historic law in the Assembly on March 26, 2025 to regulate travel agents and prevent fraud. He also mentioned that 1.14 lakh youths have received skill training to enhance their global employability, and that the government has made provisions for up to ₹5 lakh collateral-free loans for differently-abled entrepreneurs.

Urging students to be solution-oriented citizens, Sh. Saini said that asking questions and seeking answers strengthens democracy. He emphasized the role of literature and culture in shaping socially aware and confident individuals.

Commending CGC University for aligning with national priorities, the Chief Minister said that such initiatives build leadership, confidence and patriotism among youth. He said ‘Viksit Bharat’ is not a distant dream but a goal that can be achieved through collective effort, strong leadership and the energy of India’s youth.

Former minister Manish Grover, University’s Founder Chancellor Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal and other dignitaries and officials were present on the occasion.