Vice President’s Secretariat
Vice President Interacts with Youth Delegation from Darjeeling at Uprashtrapati Bhavan
Vice President Calls Upon Youth to Preserve Cultural Heritage While Embracing Development
Posted On: 24 FEB 2026 4:35PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today interacted with a Youth Delegation from Darjeeling at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan interacted with the members of Darjeeling Youth Delegation at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today.
Highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Darjeeling, the Vice President observed that the region stands out for upholding exceptionally high… pic.twitter.com/g8n9XjJ9zq
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) February 24, 2026
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice President said it was a matter of great pleasure to receive vibrant young minds from a region known for its natural beauty, rich culture and significant contribution to the nation. He noted that the youth embody the aspirations of a confident and forward-looking India. Member of Rajya Sabha, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, was present on the occasion.
Describing India’s demographic strength as one of its greatest assets, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan stated that the vision of Viksit Bharat and AatmaNirbhar Bharat calls upon young citizens to contribute with innovation, integrity and enterprise. Self-reliance, he emphasized, reflects confidence in our abilities and pride in our heritage.
During the interaction, students raised questions on outmigration, sustainable tourism, disaster resilience, Darjeeling tea and sports infrastructure. On migration, the Vice President observed that it is a global phenomenon driven by economic aspirations, but stressed the importance of preserving identity, culture and traditions. Highlighting the need for sustainable tourism, he emphasized environmentally responsible development to strengthen the regional economy.
Referring to the vulnerability of hilly regions, the Vice-President underlined the importance of enhanced disaster preparedness, improved infrastructure and coordinated efforts, including initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He also acknowledged the global reputation of Darjeeling tea and encouraged value addition and entrepreneurship. On sports, he emphasized the need for integrated infrastructure and institutional support to nurture grassroots talent.
The Vice President expressed happiness at seeing the youth in their traditional attire and said that he has immense respect for those who make conscious efforts to preserve their culture and traditions. He urged the youth to remain rooted in their heritage while embracing the opportunities of a changing world, and expressed confidence that they would contribute meaningfully to nation-building and to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
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