Venkaiah Naidu calls for greater citizen participation in building Viksit Bharat

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday (October 29, 2026) called on citizens to uphold constitutional duties, civic values, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

Delivering the keynote address at Mantrana, the flagship discussion series of think-tank Bharat Ki Soch, Mr. Naidu said India’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ depended as much on citizen participation as on governance and economic progress.

“Policies provide the vision, but citizens’ actions determine the pace and success of the outcome,” he said.

While the government must ensure effective governance, infrastructure, and growth opportunities, citizens must also share the responsibility of upholding constitutional values and fulfilling their civic duties, he added.

“By 2047, we must ensure there is no hunger, atrocity, discrimination, or disparity. True progress is reflected not merely in economic metrics, but in societal well-being, equity, and unity,” said Mr. Naidu.

He said true patriotism lies in diligently performing one’s duties, and he urged the youth to dream big, work hard, and actively contribute to national development.

Stating that India’s demographic dividend would be vital to its journey towards a Viksit Bharat, he encouraged young people to acquire global skills, gain international exposure, and bring that expertise back to fuel the nation’s growth. He added that putting the nation above all differences was key.

The former Vice-President also felicitated the winners of the Jan Chetna 2026 debate and essay competitions, organised by Bharat Ki Soch along with the Manav Rachna Centre for Peace and Sustainability.

At the event, Bharat Ki Soch chairman Anil Rajput said the vision of a developed India should be supported by a stronger sense of civic responsibility and individual accountability. The organisation’s director and retired IPS officer R.K. Pachnanda called for thoughtful actions and a steadfast commitment by every citizen to their duties.

Published - October 29, 2026 07:19 pm IST