Shillong, April 12: Mera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, on Saturday inaugurated the MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 – North Eastern Region at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.
The two-day event, covering all eight northeastern states, is being held from April 12 to 13, with Shillong among 17 locations nationwide hosting the initiative.
The programme brings together young participants selected through a multi-stage national competition, along with academicians, industry leaders, and subject experts to deliberate on themes linked to the Union Budget 2026. More than 15,000 youth across the country are taking part in the exercise.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Mariahom Kharkhang (Retd IPS), along with MY Bharat officials and state representatives including Bimal Patrick Shah, Mehbub Alam Laskar, Ataur Rahman, and State Youth Officer Bobby Wahlang.
Speakers highlighted the importance of youth participation in policymaking and nation-building, encouraging participants to engage constructively and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Kharkhang also called on youth to promote unity, fight social issues like drug abuse, and support women empowerment initiatives, while urging them to take pride in local culture and traditions.
The event featured a “Sundays on Cycle” rally in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India and a Women’s Mock Parliament, where participants debated the Women’s Reservation Bill under the theme “Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat Ki Awaaz”.
The programme will conclude on April 13 with expert panel discussions and a virtual interaction with national leaders, further strengthening youth engagement in governance and policy discourse.
