Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur has said that youth is foundation of country's progress and they have immense potential to contribute towards nation-building. Addressing the inaugural session of National round of National Youth Parliament Festival NYPF 2022 today at the Central Hall of Parliament, Mr. Thakur said, the youth have to take society and the nation to newer heights. He said, as the country is celebrating the 75th year of Independence, it is the responsibility of the youth to move the country forward in the 25 years when the nation will celebrate 100 years of Independence. The Minister called upon the youth to take inspiration from Swami Vivekananda and follow his message of Arise Awake and stop not till the goal is reached.

Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik, Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody, Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi were present on the occasion.

The objective of the NYPF is to hear the voice of the youth, who will join various careers in the coming years, including public services.

National Youth Parliament Festival is based on the idea given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat Address on 31st December, 2017. Taking inspiration from the idea, the 1st edition of NYPF was organized in 2019. The 3rd edition of NYPF was launched on 14th of last month at the District level through virtual mode. More than 2 lakh 44 thousand youth across the country participated in the District Youth Parliaments followed by State Youth Parliaments through virtual mode. Eighty-Seven winners, 62 females and 25 Male from States and UTs will get an opportunity to be present in the Central Hall of Parliament before the dignitaries. Twenty-Nine winners of State Youth Parliament will get an opportunity to speak before the National Jury. The top three National Winners will also get an opportunity to speak before the Lok Sabha Speaker during the valedictory function tomorrow.