Mandi's Lucky Chauhan Selected for National Youth Festival 2026

Lucky Chauhan, a volunteer from Vallabh Government College in Mandi, has been selected for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue at the National Youth Festival 2026. His journey through a rigorous selection process highlights his leadership qualities and commitment to sustainable development. Chauhan will represent Himachal Pradesh and engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing insights on building a sustainable future. This recognition not only honors him but also serves as an inspiration for other students to participate in national initiatives.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 16:06 IST

Recognition for a Young Leader

Munish Sood
MANDI:
Lucky Chauhan, a dedicated volunteer from the National Service Scheme (NSS) at Vallabh Government College in Mandi, has earned a spot in the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue – National Youth Festival (VBYLD–NYF) 2026. This achievement brings honor not only to the college but also to the Mandi district and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh.

His selection was the result of a challenging three-stage competitive process organized by the Government of India. The first stage featured an online quiz competition as part of the My Bharat initiative, which took place from September 1 to October 31, 2025.

The second stage consisted of an essay-writing contest held from November 5 to November 20, 2025. The final stage was a state-level PowerPoint presentation competition hosted by the Central University of Himachal Pradesh on December 30-31, 2025. Lucky Chauhan captivated the selection committee with his well-organized and thematic presentation.

After this, he participated in an interview conducted by a representative from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. His clear vision, leadership skills, and thoughtful insights ultimately secured his place on this prestigious national platform.

Lucky Chauhan will represent Himachal Pradesh at the festival scheduled for January 9 to 12, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. He will share his perspectives on the theme “Building a Sustainable and Green Viksit Bharat.” A significant highlight of the event will be the opportunity for selected youth delegates to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2026.

This national gathering aims to unite young leaders from across India to exchange ideas on ten critical themes related to nation-building, sustainable development, innovation, and leadership, creating an inspiring platform for the youth of India.

Lucky Chauhan's selection is viewed as a testament to the supportive academic environment and active co-curricular participation fostered by his institution, and it is anticipated to inspire other students to engage in national-level initiatives and leadership opportunities.