The sixth edition of NDTV YUVA Conclave brought together a powerhouse of young changemakers, political leaders, and cultural influencers to discuss the future of India.

Held on March 28, in the capital, the event served as a platform for bold conversations on leadership, innovation, and resilience, emphasizing the role of youth in shaping the nation’s progress. From fiery political debates to candid personal revelations, the conclave reinforced that the youth are not just the future but the driving force of India’s present.

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, underscored the role of young Indians in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Stressing the transformative power of youth, he noted, “Flip through history, and you’ll see—every revolution or innovation has been led by young minds.” Calling India’s youth a “demographic and democratic dividend,” he highlighted that 70% of the population is under 35, translating to nearly 90 crore people—three times the US population.

Scindia also spoke about India’s thriving startup ecosystem, which has grown to 1.75 lakh startups and over 100 unicorns. He spotlighted government initiatives like the PM Internship Programme, which has placed 8,000 young professionals in top companies with a Rs.2,000 crore budget. Additionally, a Rs.6,000 crore allocation for research and development aims to boost India’s shift from a service-driven economy to a product-led one. “We are moving from Amrit Kaal to Shatabdi Kaal—towards a self-reliant, developed India,” he affirmed.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav took a direct jab at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, likening his prolonged tenure to an “old car” past its prime. “The Chief Minister says the world will end in 10 years. Given his age, I believe he is no longer capable of running Bihar. It is time for the youth to take charge,” Yadav declared, calling for a generational shift in leadership.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha shared a personal anecdote about how his political commitments had once forced him to withdraw from Harvard Kennedy School’s Master’s in Public Policy program. This year, however, he was invited to the prestigious Global Leadership Programme. “Each year, the World Economic Forum selects Young Global Leaders, and a few attend HKS for Public Policy training,” he explained. Calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he expressed hope that the experience would make him a better parliamentarian.

A panel discussion titled “Yuva Women Powering Politics” brought fresh perspectives from first-time MPs Shambhavi Choudhary (LJP-RV, Bihar), Kamaljeet Sehrawat (BJP, Delhi), and Dr. Byreddy Shabari (TDP, Andhra Pradesh). Kamaljeet Sehrawat emphasized the changing political landscape, stating, “The era of family-based politics is ending. Fresh minds are shaping the country’s future.” She also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to induct one lakh youth into politics.

The conclave also took a lighter turn as Bollywood celebrities Sara Ali Khan, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Zahan Kapoor shared personal insights. Sara expressed gratitude for her father’s recovery from illness, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. “It was a reminder of what truly matters—family and gratitude,” she reflected.

Siddhant Chaturvedi, known for his roles in blockbuster films, described the unique work styles of leading actresses, saying, “Alia Bhatt is spontaneous, always ready with her lines, while Deepika Padukone meticulously preps yet delivers effortlessly.”

Zahan Kapoor, grandson of legendary actor Shashi Kapoor, reminisced about discovering Sholay as a child. “For me, Hrithik Roshan was the first superstar. But when my mother made me watch Sholay, I realized the power of classic cinema,” he recalled.

NDTV YUVA 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young leaders through thought-provoking discussions on governance, social issues, and cultural evolution. The conclave provided a crucial platform for voices that are shaping India’s tomorrow, reinforcing that the youth are not just participants but leaders in the nation’s ongoing transformation.