MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 – Final Round

The MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 was a multi-stage national competition organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. My journey began with an online quiz, testing my awareness of India's Union Budget and public policy. Successfully navigating this initial round, I advanced to the essay writing stage, where I authored a piece on the 'Future Economy: Digital, Technology and Innovation-based Economy,' analyzing the transformative impact of digital infrastructure on India's economic future. The excitement grew with each successive stage, culminating in the immense honor of being shortlisted from over 12 lakh participants for the prestigious Final Round.

On the first day, April 12, 2026, while walking to the campus of The Art of Living International Center, we had the memorable experience of seeing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Afterward, we visited a bookstore within the campus that featured photos of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar alongside a vast collection of spiritual and literary books.

Later in the afternoon, we headed to the campus cafeteria for lunch. The meal was simple, traditional, and home-style - a classic Indian thali. We enjoyed steamed white rice topped with yellow dal, accompanied by freshly made chapati and flavorful vegetable side dishes, perfectly complementing the serene atmosphere of the center.

In the evening, we attended the NARI SHAKTI - Viksit Bharat Ki Aawaz program. It was an inspiring experience to be part of the Nari Shakti Youth Parliament and to stand alongside fellow Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026 finalists who had traveled to Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. The atmosphere was filled with collaboration and a shared vision for youth empowerment.

These images capture some of the key moments and highlights from my participation in the event.

On the morning of April 13, 2026, the official events commenced. We started the day with a refreshing morning walk, followed by a hearty breakfast at the hotel to energize ourselves for the busy schedule ahead.

Following breakfast, we visited the BYOGI wellness facility. The modern, eco-friendly building featured a clean white exterior, minimalistic architecture, and solar panel installations, nestled beautifully among lush greenery. Colorful posters highlighting yoga and holistic health adorned the windows, reflecting a peaceful, wellness-oriented atmosphere.

The core of the event featured insightful sessions and addresses by esteemed dignitaries. We had the privilege of listening to Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State, who delivered an engaging speech highlighting youth empowerment and policy. Additionally, Dr. C. N. Manjunath, MP and renowned cardiologist, shared his valuable perspectives during the panel discussions. The grand stage setup, large LED displays, and impactful addresses set a formal and inspiring tone for the youth policy dialogues.

Although the Hon'ble Prime Minister was originally scheduled to attend, he was unfortunately unable to join. On his behalf, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Hon'ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, led the National-Level Virtual Dialogue, where we proudly represented Zone 8 (Karnataka, Keralam, and Lakshadweep). Participating in this session was an unparalleled and deeply inspiring experience. It offered a direct opportunity to engage with national leadership on critical economic policies and the role of youth in shaping India's future. The interaction reinforced my understanding of the complexities of governance and the profound impact of well-structured public policy. Witnessing the Minister's vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' firsthand was a truly memorable moment, deepening my commitment to contributing to national progress.

The event concluded with a solemn and unifying moment as thousands of participants stood together for the National Anthem, marking the successful end of an inspiring national program.