Sambalpur: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (Sector-Specific Roundtable) on the theme “Empowering Youth for Viksit Bharat in Odisha”, in collaboration with Project Point Odisha. The programme was organized under MY Bharat, an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue among young leaders and stakeholders to contribute towards the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The roundtable brought together 20 youth delegates, including MY Bharat Sambalpur youth representatives and tribal youth delegates. The initiative provided a platform for deliberations on youth leadership, innovation, governance, inclusive development, and region-specific growth strategies, aligned with India’s long-term developmental goals. The event was graced by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur as the Chief Guest, Shri Satya Prakash Pattnaik, Former Director, NYKS, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shri. Nihar Ranjan Dash, Special Secretary to Government of Odisha, Ms. Abha Mishra, State Head UNDP Odisha and Dr. Sangram Keshari Samantaray, Chairperson & Founder, Project Point Odisha.
The dialogue focused on empowering young minds to actively participate in nation-building, with leaders, industry experts, and policy influencers engaging in discussions on key challenges, emerging opportunities, and innovative solutions across 10 themes of Viksit Bharat 2047. The deliberations also emphasised sustainable development practices, with a special focus on Odisha’s socio-economic and cultural context.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “When young minds are empowered through education to understand and apply the potential of AI, the opportunity to create impactful solutions becomes immense. AI-led innovation can address global challenges as well as India’s issues- from metropolitan cities to small cities. The real shift must be from teaching to learning, where AI enhances critical thinking and problem-solving across education, industry, and governance. This is the pathway to Viksit Bharat, where education-driven, technology-enabled solutions shape a developed India by 2047.”
Shri. Nihar Ranjan Dash, Special Secretary to Government of Odisha, said, “The new education vision must go beyond departments and stereotypes, nurturing every child’s aspiration—from creative expression to constitutional understanding.”
Shri Satya Prakash Pattnaik, Former Director, NYKS, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, remarked, “MY Bharat envisions youth as change-makers, and such engagements translate this vision into structured participation, leadership development, and grassroots impact. Youth-led dialogues are therefore essential for fostering responsive governance. Platforms like these prepare young citizens to engage meaningfully with policy-making, community development, and public service”
The event also witnessed the presence of eminent policymakers, academicians, youth leaders, and sectoral experts, who shared insights and recommendations towards strengthening youth participation in shaping India’s future development roadmap.
Through initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, IIM Sambalpur continues to play a pivotal role in advancing national development conversations by leveraging academic excellence, youth engagement, and policy-oriented discourse. The institute remains committed to nurturing socially responsible leaders who can contribute meaningfully to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
