NDTV Yuva returned to the capital with its 2026 edition, bringing together a diverse mix of voices from across sectors to spotlight the role of young Indians as active changemakers. The summit centred on a clear idea—that youth are not just future leaders, but are already shaping conversations and driving impact across industries today.

According to an NDTV press release, the platform continues to evolve as a space for engaging with the aspirations, anxieties and ambitions of a young India. Over the years, NDTV Yuva has built a reputation for offering experience-led perspectives on leadership, enterprise, culture and identity, with each edition expanding the scope of dialogue.

The event opened with Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister for Industries, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Rajasthan, who emphasised the growing awareness among young people and their readiness to participate in governance. He noted that today’s youth are well-informed about both national and global developments, adding that the direction of the country is closely tied to their choices and involvement.

Among other speakers, Mahanaaryaman Scindia, President of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, spoke about integrating technology into sports administration. He highlighted the development of an ERP system aimed at improving transparency in player selection and streamlining administrative processes, while also expressing his ambition to position India as a global hub for AI model training.

Entrepreneur Parul Gulati, founder of Nish Hair, spoke about her aspirations of building a large-scale enterprise, drawing inspiration from industry stalwarts like Ratan Tata. The entertainment segment saw actors such as Chitrangda Singh, Sanya Malhotra and Avinash Tiwary share personal insights into their journeys, touching upon challenges, growth and the realities of working in the film industry.

Chitrangda Singh reflected on her experience working with Salman Khan, describing him as approachable and supportive on set. Sanya Malhotra spoke about embracing mistakes as part of growth, while Avinash Tiwary highlighted the pressures faced by outsiders in the industry and the importance of perseverance.

The summit also featured strong representation from the sports community. Wrestler Sujeet Kalkal encouraged youth to prioritise sports and aim to represent the country, while boxers Priya Ghanghas and Arundhati Choudhary shared their experiences of winning gold at the Asian Boxing Championship and their aspirations for future international competitions. Para archer Payal Nag inspired the audience with her journey of overcoming adversity to become a world champion.

The event also saw participation from entrepreneurs, designers, educators and creators, including Kanika Tekriwal of JetSetGo, Gazal Kalra of Nuuk, and spoken word artist Nayab Midha, among others. Discussions spanned innovation, education, business and creative expression, reflecting the multifaceted nature of youth-driven change in India.

The day-long summit concluded with a live performance by Aditi Saigal, wrapping up an event that combined dialogue, inspiration and real-world insights, reinforcing the idea that the country’s youth are already shaping its present as much as its future.