• So far 19 states and union territories have held 50 youth dialogues, with over 11,700 young people participating
  • From 26 October to 5 November, this nationwide campaign will involve 500 universities, colleges and institutions

Under the Youth Programme Department of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, MY Bharat today organised 23 editions of ‘Develop India Youth Dialogue: Know Your Vote’ in colleges and institutions across 12 states and union territories, with 5,481 youths participating. The initiative aims to raise electoral awareness among young people, especially first‑time voters, and to encourage informed participation in the democratic process by familiarising them with voting rights, electoral procedures and civic duties

From 26 October to 5 November 2026, this nationwide campaign will involve 500 universities, colleges and institutions. By 29 October, 50 youth dialogues have been held across 19 states and union territories, with 11,787 youths and 51 youth icons participating. These sessions bring youths, elected representatives and youth icons together to discuss topics such as democratic participation, civic duties and the role of young people in nation‑building

At Disa College in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, the programme saw over 250 youths participate. MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal was the chief guest. Participants discussed voting rights, electoral procedures and their duties as citizens. They also pledged to uphold constitutional values, protect democracy and promote responsible citizenship

In Madhya Pradesh, the dialogue with elected representatives and youth icons highlighted the role of young people in democratic participation and nation‑building. In Betul, Central Minister Shri Durgadas Uike spoke with youths, while youth icon Yogi Deshmukh encouraged active voting and participation. In Mandla, MP Shri Sudhir Gupta conversed with participants. In Narmadapuram, MP Shri Darshan Singh Chauhan and Asian Games bronze medalist Ms. Harshita Tomar spoke with youths about voting rights and the importance of informed electoral participation

In the Northeast, the event in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh featured youth icon Shri Shyam Mogra, who discussed voter lists and the importance of electoral awareness. A Q&A session addressed participants’ questions, followed by a democratic pledge. In Agartala, Tripura, MP Shri Rajiv Bhattacherjee and youth icon Shri Shubhrjit Bhattacherjee joined. Students discussed public interest issues, civil services, civic responsibilities and the role of first‑time voters, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values

Sessions in Jammu‑Kashmir and Gujarat also emphasised electoral awareness and voter registration. In Kupwara, Deputy Sub‑Divisional Magistrate Dr. Mudasir Ahmed spoke with students and answered their questions about electoral procedures. In Kachchh (Bhuj), first‑time voters discussed voting issues with the election registration representative and a youth icon. In Sabar Kantha (Himmatnagar), students spoke with MP Mrs. Shobhanaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya about voting rights and electoral participation

In Uttar Pradesh, students in Shahjahanpur discussed voting rights, responsibilities and electoral procedures. In Ghaziabad, the event included voter registration, the Develop India Youth Leadership Dialogue (VBYLD) quiz and activities related to the Youth Parliament. In Sultanpur, participants took part in a Q&A session on the Election Commission and electoral participation. A cultural programme was also held under the MY Bharat banner. In Shekhpura, Bihar, youths took the democratic pledge and participated in an interactive discussion on responsible citizenship and democratic participation

The 23 programmes were held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh; Betul, Mandla and Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh; Sabar Kantha (Himmatnagar) and Kachchh (Bhuj), Gujarat; Kupwara, Jammu‑Kashmir; Ghaziabad, Shahjahanpur and Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh; and Shekhpura, Bihar. Other locations included Balrampur, Badayun, Deoria, Siddharthnagar and Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh; West Kameng (Bomdila), Arunachal Pradesh; Agartala (West Tripura), Tripura; Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka; Kottayam, Kerala; Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu; Mahbubnagar and Rangareddy, Telangana

The campaign includes a democratic pledge and an online ‘Know Your Vote’ quiz, aiming to raise awareness of electoral processes and democratic values. At event venues, MY Bharat registration and QR‑code‑based suggestions provide additional opportunities for youth participation