Chandigarh, October 28, 2026 (Harminder Singh Nagpal):- My Bharat Chandigarh, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, organised the ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad – Know Your Vote’ programme today at MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36, Chandigarh. More than 500 students enthusiastically participated in the programme and interacted directly with the Chief Guest, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, on important topics such as the significance of voting, democratic values and responsible citizenship.
Addressing the students, Hon’ble Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said that the real strength of democracy lies in the active and informed participation of citizens, with the younger generation playing a particularly important role. He stated that voting is not merely a constitutional right but also an important responsibility through which every citizen contributes to shaping the country’s future. He urged young people to exercise their voting rights with full awareness and sound judgement and not to be influenced by rumours, misleading information or unverified content circulated on social media. Instead, he encouraged them to make decisions based on facts and issues concerning the public interest. Highlighting the role of young women in particular, he said that an aware, educated and responsible younger generation can make a significant contribution to strengthening democratic institutions and giving new direction to the nation’s progress. Referring to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, he encouraged the students to participate actively in nation-building and always give the highest priority to the country’s democratic and constitutional values.
The main highlight of the programme was the ‘Yuva Samvad’, which provided students with an opportunity to ask the Hon’ble Governor questions directly and share their views on the theme ‘Know Your Vote’. The interaction featured meaningful discussions on the importance of every vote, youth participation in the electoral process and their responsibilities as informed voters.
Earlier, the programme began with Vande Mataram and the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Shri Vinay Kumar, District Youth Officer, My Bharat Chandigarh, delivered the welcome address and briefed the participants on various initiatives undertaken by My Bharat to promote youth leadership, civic participation, social service and nation-building.
On the occasion, Sushil Mannat Jain, a youth icon nominated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, delivered a presentation on ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad – Know Your Vote’. He highlighted the importance of increasing electoral awareness among young people, gaining knowledge of the voting process and making informed decisions.
During the programme, the Hon’ble Governor also honoured two talented international athletes from Chandigarh who represented India at the Asian Games recently held in Japan. They included international fencing player Ms. Muskan / Yashkirat Kaur Hair and international soft tennis player Mr. Aryan Thakur. Their sporting achievements inspired the students to pursue their goals through dedication, discipline, hard work and determination.
To further strengthen the spirit of democratic participation, My Bharat–NSS Programme Officer Sushil Sunita administered the democratic pledge to the participants, encouraging them to remain committed to democratic values and responsible citizenship.
At the conclusion of the programme, Ms. Nina Sharma, Principal of MCM DAV College for Women, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme ended with the National Anthem.
Through this initiative, My Bharat Chandigarh reiterated its commitment to encouraging young people to develop electoral awareness, engage in meaningful dialogue and participate actively as citizens. The programme inspired young people, particularly female students, to understand their role in the democratic process and contribute to building a strong, inclusive and developed India by 2047.
