Prime Minister Commends Odisha Youth for Budget Essay on Women-Led Development
In a significant recognition of youth engagement in governance, the Prime Minister has extended special appreciation to Om Prakash Rath from Kendrapara, Odisha. Rath participated in a nationwide budget quiz and essay competition organized by ‘My Bharat’, an innovative online platform dedicated to youth leadership and social engagement.
Massive Youth Participation in National Budget Initiative
The competitions were strategically designed to bridge the gap between India's youth and the critical processes of budget formulation and policymaking. This initiative witnessed an overwhelming response, with nearly 12 lakh (1.2 million) young individuals from across the country actively participating in the initial quiz phase. Following this, approximately 1.6 lakh (160,000) high-performing participants were meticulously selected to advance to the subsequent essay competition round, showcasing the depth of interest among the younger generation in fiscal and developmental matters.
Focus on Women-Led Development Earns Prime Ministerial Praise
Om Prakash Rath distinguished himself in the essay competition by presenting insightful ideas focused on advancing women-led development. His contributions specifically addressed strategies for fostering inclusive growth through greater female participation and leadership in various sectors of the economy and society.
The Prime Minister, in his commendation, highlighted that such thoughtful contributions from young minds like Rath's are not merely academic exercises but demonstrate a profound commitment to the nation's progress. He emphasized that these ideas reflect a strong, forward-looking vision for inclusive growth and underscore the vital role of youth in shaping a progressive national agenda.
Platform Fostering Youth Leadership and Policy Dialogue
The ‘My Bharat’ platform has emerged as a crucial digital space for nurturing leadership qualities and facilitating meaningful social engagement among India's youth. By organizing competitions linked directly to the Union Budget, the platform successfully translates complex policy discussions into accessible formats, empowering young citizens to contribute constructively to national discourse.
This event underscores a growing trend where digital platforms are being leveraged to democratize policy understanding and encourage civic participation from the grassroots level, particularly from students and young professionals across diverse regions including Odisha.



