CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, guidance sessions on various subjects were held on the third day of the National Vande Mataram Youth Camp 2026 – 27, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat, Madhya Pradesh, at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal.
Experts interacted with young participants on important themes including digital detox, de-addiction, spiritual life, leadership capacity, social responsibility and women’s empowerment. Young participants from six states are sharing their experiences through various activities at the camp.
In the first session of the day, B.K. Dr Devyani, spiritual guide and Ayurveda physician from Brahma Kumaris, Bhopal, informed the youth about the importance of de-addiction and digital detox. Calling for introspection on the increasing use of mobile phones, she asked whether mobiles were under the control of the youth or whether the youth themselves were under the control of mobiles. She advised participants to limit mobile notifications, remove unnecessary digital content and adopt habits that improve concentration.
This was followed by B.K. Sister Hema, coordinator of spiritual services of Brahma Kumaris, who shared her views on spirituality and consciousness. Explaining the difference between a person’s natural self and the personality shaped by external circumstances, she encouraged the youth towards self-reflection, positivity and inner transformation.
In the second session, a discussion was held on leadership capacity, overcoming struggles, social responsibility and nation-building. Dr Anil Kumar Upadhyay, the first scholar to complete a PhD in Botany through the Hindi medium and a Guinness World Record holder; Income Tax Officer Rahul, recipient of the Governor’s Award; advocate and youth motivator Harsha Haswani; and Naveen Kumar, assistant director of the Sports Authority of India, shared their experiences with the youth.
Dr Anil Kumar Upadhyay, referring to the struggles and achievements of his life, said failures provide important lessons on the path to success. Describing the spirit of helping others as an important identity of the youth, he motivated the participants to continue making sustained efforts.
Income Tax Officer Rahul shared his experiences in the field of social service. He urged the youth to set clear goals, maintain discipline and make proper use of time.
Advocate Harsha Haswani discussed women’s empowerment and rights, recalling the educational contribution of Savitribai Phule. She provided information on women’s education, equal opportunities and the POSH Act related to the prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. She also encouraged the youth to remain aware of their rights.
Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Naveen Kumar shared his views on promoting gender equality through sports and encouraging youth development and leadership capacity.
The youth from the six states participating in the camp presented India’s rich cultural diversity through performances based on their cultural heritage and traditions. Participants from Himachal Pradesh performed the traditional Nati dance, while youth from Uttar Pradesh captivated the audience through folk dances. Participants from Rajasthan presented a glimpse of their culture through the famous Ghoomar dance, while the Garba performance by youth from Gujarat made the atmosphere festive. Youth from Odisha presented Odissi dance and participants from Tamil Nadu performed Bharatanatyam, bringing the grandeur of Indian classical dance traditions to the stage.
Through these cultural programmes, the youth got an opportunity to understand one another’s traditions and strengthen the spirit of national unity.
In the coming days of the camp, regional visits, experiential activities, sports, group work and dialogue sessions will be organised. Through these activities, efforts will be made to further strengthen leadership capacity, team spirit, social participation and the spirit of national unity among the youth.
The National Vande Mataram Youth Camp will conclude on October 18, 2026, with a ceremony, group photograph and feedback from participants. The main objective of the camp is to connect the youth with the country’s glorious heritage, strengthen the spirit of unity in diversity and encourage their active participation in building Viksit Bharat @2047.
Mangal Jakhad, state director of Mera Yuva Bharat, Madhya Pradesh; deputy directors Rohit Yadav and Monika Choudhary; Nikki Rathore (Bhopal); assistant director Abhishek Bhardwaj; and district youth officers Pallavi Dubey (Khandwa), Umang Jain (Narsinghpur), Shraddha Mittal (Harda) and Mayank Pathak (Chhatarpur), along with other officers and office staff, made an important contribution to the successful organisation of the camp.
The responsibility for media and publicity of the programme was handled by programme media in-charge Sagar Wadhwani. All officers and employees played an important role in the successful conduct of the camp with mutual coordination, cooperation and dedication.
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