Young Professionals Roundtable Advances Vision of Viksit Bharat with ZEP Foundation’s WDDD

Organized under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, the roundtable was conducted by MY Bharat Nandurbar and ZEP Foundation's World Digital Detox Day (WDDD) initiative under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The event focused on the theme “Building a Future-Ready Workforce for Viksit Bharat.”

Held for the first time in Nandurbar, the roundtable created an important platform for youth participation, leadership, and dialogue. The initiative was supported by Kakasaheb College and led through the efforts of Dr. Rekha Chaudhari and the ZEP Foundation team. The event also highlighted the importance of engaging youth from rural and tribal communities in conversations related to India's long-term development.

The program was attended by distinguished guests including Shri Shirishdada Chaudhari (Former MLA), Dr. Rekha Chaudhari (Founder, ZEP Foundation and World Digital Detox Day), Shri Bhushan Patil (District Youth Officer, Nandurbar), Shri Prathamesh Chaudhari, Shri Gaurav Chaudhari, Ms. Sonia Deshmukh, and Dr. Chandrakant Vani.

A special panel discussion featured Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, Prof. Yuvaraj Bhamare, and Adv. Saransh Sonar, who shared insights on the opportunities and challenges facing today's youth in an increasingly digital world.

The discussions emphasized that while technology is a powerful tool for national development, its balanced, responsible, and value-driven use is essential for creating a healthier and more productive society. Key topics included digital wellbeing, mental health, attention management, digital distraction, leadership development, employability skills, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, and the role of youth in nation-building.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Rekha Chaudhari highlighted the need to build a generation that is digitally empowered while also mentally resilient and socially responsible. She shared that the World Digital Detox Day movement is currently spreading awareness about digital wellbeing, digital fasting, and healthy technology habits across 78 countries, encouraging individuals to become more focused, creative, productive, and purpose-driven.

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The interactive roundtable enabled young participants to share valuable ideas and recommendations on skill development, employment, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital discipline, mental wellness, and social leadership. Their contributions reflected a strong commitment to shaping the future of India and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Approximately 200 young participants attended the event. The exchange of ideas between the panelists and participants generated meaningful perspectives that may contribute to future initiatives under Viksit Bharat 2047, the MY Bharat Mission, and awareness campaigns led by World Digital Detox Day.

The program was skillfully anchored by Prof. Suchit Pingale.

The roundtable concluded with a powerful message:

"Technology is important for a developed India, but even more important is a balanced, empowered, value-driven, and mentally strong youth population."

Through initiatives such as the Young Professionals Roundtable, World Digital Detox Day continues to advance conversations around digital wellbeing, mental wellness, and responsible technology use while supporting the development of future-ready youth and stronger communities.