New Delhi: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS), Government of India, in collaboration with Miranda House, University of Delhi, celebrated International Youth Day 2025 with the theme “Volunteerism and Youth Leadership (Impact of Volunteering)”. The event underscored the pivotal role of young people in nation-building, community development, and global cooperation.
The celebrations began with a lamp-lighting ceremony and an inaugural address by Professor (Dr.) Bijayalaxmi Nanda, Principal of Miranda House.
Focus on “Glocal Volunteering” and MY Bharat Platform
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, highlighted the concept of “glocal volunteering” — thinking globally while acting locally. She praised the transformative potential of the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform, launched by the Prime Minister in 2023, which now has over 1.80 crore registered users. The platform is fostering leadership, structured youth engagement, and connecting young citizens to causes aligned with national and global priorities.
Student-led Pre-Event Activities
Miranda House students showcased impactful initiatives, including:
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E-Waste Collection Drive (4–11 August 2025) promoting environmental stewardship
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Clean, Green, and Safe Campus Drive with cleanliness activities, plantation drives, and safety audits
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Creative Competition across diverse themes
Panel Discussions on Youth Action & Global Cooperation
Two panel discussions formed the core of the event:
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“Young Voices, Shared Futures: Reimagining Global Youth Action” – with Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, and senior representatives from UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, and UNICEF, focusing on youth diplomacy and inclusive governance.
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“Volunteering as a Catalyst for Global Cooperation” – exploring cross-border youth engagement and intercultural exchange frameworks.
The Miranda House Dramatics Society presented “The Voices of Change”, a theatrical performance highlighting youth leadership and volunteerism. Awards and certificates were presented to students who demonstrated exemplary leadership in pre-event activities.
Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey, UN India Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative to India, lauded India’s tradition of volunteering, noting that over nine million volunteers are engaged through MY Bharat in areas like climate action, health, hygiene, and pandemic response. She described volunteering as “in the blood and veins of India” and stressed its role in building resilience and leadership.
Ministry’s Vision for Viksit Bharat @2047
Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra described volunteerism as “the bridge that connects hearts, builds trust, and ignites change.” He outlined three priorities:
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Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions
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Raising awareness about volunteerism among students and faculty
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Empowering youth to take civic leadership roles in collaboration with government
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of harnessing the demographic dividend through meaningful youth engagement, positioning India as a global leader in youth-centric policy and international cooperation.
