Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said the youth always rendered their services in times of crises for the welfare of the country, and emphasized their role in achieving the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. He was addressing a 'Maati Ke Veer Padyatra' function before the foot march was rolled out in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh.

The event was held as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to mark the celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on November 15. "Youth have to excel in whatever field they are interested in, whether it is sports or art and culture.

The youth have to live for the country and contribute to its development. They have to contribute in realising the dream of developed India," the Sports and Youth Affairs Minister said. The padyatra (foot march) has been organised by My Bharat volunteers of 150 colleges on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on November 15, he said.

The MY Bharat platform was launched by his ministry with the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to involve the youth in nation-building. So far, about 1.5 crore youths have enrolled themselves on this platform, he said. Highlighting the importance of the MY Bharat platform, the Union minister said, MY Bharat will become a single window system for the youth, where the youth will be able to fulfil their aspirations and contribute in building a developed India.

 "Whenever there was a need, youth have helped. Youth fought for the country's independence and contributed during COVID-19 crises. Without thinking about their safety, youth delivered food, medicines, masks to the needy during the pandemic and made an unforgettable contribution in vaccination," he said.