The 13th edition of Young Thinkers’ Meet was held at Chitrakote, Bastar, Chhattisgarh from 26-28 July 2024. With the theme ‘Viksit Bharat’ – Ideas for a Developed India, it saw an impressive turnout of 80 attendees. The diverse group, hailing from 21 different states, had an average age of about 29 years. Young Thinkers’ Meet (YTM) is an initiative of India Foundation that began its journey in 2012 at Coorg, Karnataka. The annually held event acts as a confluence of young nationalistic minds hailing from varied walks of life across India.
YTM is an annual meet organised by India Foundation, a New Delhi based think-tank, for individuals (mostly under 35 years) who are driven by the idea of a New India. YTM today has an alumni base of over three hundred individuals who belong to different parts of India and come with unique life experiences and skill sets. There are social activists, political activists, NGO workers, academics, journalists, scientists, corporate professionals and students from reputed international universities. Participants in the YTM come from all parts of the country and indulge themselves in deliberations and debates on issues of contemporary national importance. The format of the meet is immersive and experiential rather than a lecture-based classroom format. The number of delegates at any YTM has varied from seventy-five to eighty-five and involves freewheeling discussion over two to three days. Each year YTM moves to a new location and helps the young delegates explore the incredible diversity of the country. The meet has previously happened in Coorg, Karnataka; Manesar, Haryana; Pune, Maharashtra; Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh; Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir; Vadodara, Gujarat; Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh; Chilika, Odisha; Pahalgam and Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh & Guwahati, Assam. Due to the national lockdown, YTM happened virtually in 2020.
On 26 July 2024, the inaugural session on “Viksit Bharat 2047: Amrit Kaal to Swarnim Kaal” began with Dr. Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, encouraging delegates to introduce themselves. The diverse backgrounds and regions represented showcased the intellectual expansion inspiring the central theme of Viksit Bharat. RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Shri Atul Limaye followed, discussing the concept of Vikas (development) and seeking inputs on spiritual upliftment, financial advancement, and international recognition. Dr. Madhav concluded the session, emphasizing that human aspiration drives all forms of Vikas, alongside individual and societal aspiration in a balanced manner. Shri Vijay Dayaram K, Collector & District Magistrate, Bastar, Chhattisgarh was also present during the session and gave his remarks. A brief interaction with Shri Sundarraj Pattilingam, Inspector General of Police, Bastar range, Chhattisgarh, detailed the Maoist insurgency in the Bastar region.
On 27 July 2024, the delegates had the opportunity to visit a forward CRPF camp during the early hours, and have conversations with individuals posted in Naxal-infested territories.
The first panel discussion was on “Security Challenges in Bharat 2047”. It was moderated by Dr. Sriparna Pathak, Associate Professor at Jindal School of International Affairs, and the panel featured Dr. Shristi Pukhrem, Deputy Director (Academics & Research), India Foundation, Dr. Manoj Kumar Panigrahi, Assistant Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Shri Divyanshu Jindal, Consultant, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Shri Nishit Kumar, Consultant, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The panel highlighted the interplay between internal and external security threats, emphasizing traditional challenges like territorial disputes and ideological wars, alongside non-traditional threats like cybersecurity and media manipulation. Case studies on China’s territorial claims illustrated the importance of narrative warfare, with key takeaways on media literacy and the critical examination of facts.
A few state officials also addressed the session, discussing economic empowerment and the forest-based economy of Chhattisgarh, particularly the Bastar region. They highlighted the importance of Tendu leaves as a source of income and the role of natural healers as the first line of medical help. They also discussed the ground realities of the region, including the intricacies of operations against Maoist insurgency, the presence of landmines and RDX, and the sacrifices made by the police to maintain stability.
A special interaction session with multiple eminent personalities from the Government of Chhattisgarh followed, where the session was graced by Shri OP Chaudhary, Finance Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh , along with Shri Shashank Mani Tripathi, Member of Parliament (LS), and Shri Hemang Joshi, Member of Parliament (LS) who joined virtually.
The theme for the second panel discussion was “Vishwa Bandhu Bharat: A Tech-driven, Inclusive Governance Model for a Sustainable Future”. Shri Aaditya Tiwari, Visiting Fellow at India Foundation, moderated the session & the panel comprised of Dr. Jigar Inamdar, Visiting Fellow at India Foundation, Ms. Deeksha Goel, Deputy Director (Adm) at India Foundation, Dr. Parthiv Mehta, Doctor and Entrepreneur & Ms. Megha Choubey, Associate Fellow for Partnerships at Observer Research Foundation.
The session explored technology’s role in driving inclusive governance and sustainable development, emphasizing India’s evolving global role and the importance of national interest in decision-making. Discussions included the impact of digital technology on governance, the need for holistic development, and practical governance models from various contexts.
This session was followed by presentations on Building Prosperous Bharat , as a precursor to which Shri Shashank Mani outlined a vision for a fully developed India, emphasizing the need for a robust middle class, competitive initiatives, and integrating digital technology while preserving cultural values.
Shri Apurv Mishra discussed India’s significant economic development over the past 25 years, stressing the need to navigate current challenges like polarization and international economic issues to achieve Vision 2047.
Dr. Abhishek Malhotra highlighted the importance of economic well-being and diverse aspirations for multigenerational growth, respecting regional identities and cultures.
Ms. Maitreyee Kamble focused on inclusion, brotherhood, and entrepreneurship as key pillars for a prosperous Bharat, sharing her journey from the Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce and stressing economic and political inclusion. Second day of the event ended with the Young Thinkers’ Parliament.
The final day, i.e., 28th July, started with presentations on Viksit Bharat@2047: Weaving a Consensus in the Era of Identity Politics . Shri Guru Prakash Paswan, National Spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, addressed identity politics, defining it as the mobilization of social groups around a collective identity. He emphasized the need to shift focus from identity politics to development for achieving a developed Bharat by 2047.
Ms. Bhakti Sharma stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between communities to promote unity and mute political divisions.
Shri Swayam Baral shared personal experiences, noting that identity politics is dynamic and evolves with societal progress.
Shri Siddharth Yadav discussed the fluidity of identity, which becomes rigid when politicized, manipulating social fault lines.
Kamal Madishetty urged a focus on progress and development over identity politics.
Shri Omer Ghazi talked about India’s civilizational responsibilities, calling for an articulation of civilizational interests.
In the valedictory session, Dr. Ram Madhav highlighted the need for unity in diversity, aspiring for a Bharat where every individual is empowered with dignity. He emphasized the importance of innovating new ways and finding solutions to achieve national goals. Shri Atul Limaye appreciated the diversity and vibrancy of the delegates, the importance of identity distinct from politics, and the creation of new ideas and interconnections through the event. He concluded with a call to complement ideas with actionable modules for realizing a Viksit Bharat.
