MY Bharat Leh initiative provides platform to local youth to engage with PM’s virtual address and discuss sporting aspirations
LEH: Around 250 students and young people came together at EJM Government Degree College, Leh, for “Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath”, a youth-focused initiative aimed at encouraging dialogue on sports, talent development and the role of young people in nation-building.
The programme was organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) Leh in collaboration with the NSS Unit of EJM Government Degree College, Leh, providing local youth an opportunity to participate in the nationwide Khelo India Samvaad initiative and share their views on strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.
Secretary Education, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha IAS, former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, renowned cyclist Leakzes Angmo, Padma Chorol and Youth Icon Abida Afreen were among the distinguished guests present on the occasion.
The event was also attended by Dr Tsering Motup, Dean, College Development Council, University of Ladakh; Prof Stanzin Yangdol, Principal, EJM Government Degree College, Leh; NSS Programme Officer Tsering Chorol; Jigmat Spaldon, Deputy Director, MY Bharat Leh; besides faculty, staff and students of the college.
The programme commenced with the virtual address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the nationwide Khelo India Samvaad initiative. The interaction provided young participants an opportunity to connect with the Prime Minister and gain a broader perspective on India’s expanding sports ecosystem and the growing importance of youth participation in the country’s development.
A key component of the programme was the Yuva Samvaad, where participants put forward their ideas, views and suggestions on creating better opportunities for young sportspersons and strengthening the support system for emerging talent. Discussions covered the development of India’s sports ecosystem, nurturing talent with an eye on the 2036 Olympics, empowering youth for Viksit Bharat and building a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.
To ensure that the voices of participating youth were formally captured, suggestions were also collected digitally through QR codes placed at the venue, enabling young participants to contribute directly to the wider youth engagement process.
The interaction with sportspersons emerged as another major attraction. During the question-and-answer session, students interacted with sporting personalities and gained insights into the discipline, challenges and perseverance required to build a career in sports.
Cyclist Leakzes Angmo shared her sporting journey with the participants, highlighting the dedication and sustained effort needed to pursue sporting excellence. She also expressed gratitude to former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and former CEC Tashi Gyaltson for their support and encouragement during her career.
Her interaction with the students served as an encouraging example of how determination, institutional support and opportunities can help young people from Ladakh pursue their sporting aspirations.
The programme concluded with a presentation on the MY Bharat portal, familiarising participants with opportunities for volunteering, experiential learning and youth-led activities. The youth were encouraged to actively participate in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2027 Quiz and make greater use of the MY Bharat platform.
The Khelo India Samvaad in Leh thus emerged as more than a sports-focused interaction, providing a platform for young people to voice their aspirations and contribute ideas towards a stronger sporting ecosystem. The programme ended with a collective commitment to promote sports, fitness, youth participation and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, underlining the pivotal role of the country’s youth in shaping its future.
