ZIRO : The Department of Youth Affairs on Tuesday held a strategic meeting at Ziro to accelerate the implementation of the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative across Lower Subansiri district, with a focus on technology-driven youth engagement and greater inter-departmental coordination.

The meeting was chaired by Lower Subansiri Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme and attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Hibu Dumi, District Youth Officer Shaffali Yadav and other district officials.

Addressing the meeting, Yadav outlined MY Bharat’s vision as a “phygital” platform that combines grassroots engagement with digital access to create greater opportunities for young people. She said the initiative, launched in 2023, represents the transition from the erstwhile Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) to a modern youth development framework.

She briefed participants on the programmes available to youth aged 15 to 29 through the MY Bharat portal, including Experiential Learning Programmes, Volunteer for Bharat initiatives, leadership development activities, mega events and competitions such as quizzes, essays and podcasts. She also highlighted the proposed “MY Bharat Mentors” feature, which will connect young people with experienced professionals for career and personal guidance.

Based on suggestions made by Deputy Commissioner Perme, the meeting decided to constitute a District MY Bharat Advisory Council (DMBAC) to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and guide youth-centric initiatives in the district.

The council will include the Superintendent of Police, District Agriculture Officer, District Health Officer and representatives from various sectors under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner and the Zilla Parishad Chairperson.

The meeting concluded with a pledge by officials to promote district-wide enrolment on the MY Bharat portal so that more young people can participate in and benefit from the national youth development programme. (DIPR)