VIT-AP University brings young minds together to discuss India’s global influence

The participants of Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue-2026 hosted by VIT-AP University on Thursday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement VIT-AP University on Thursday hosted the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026–Young Professionals Roundtable, bringing together students, young professionals and emerging leaders for discussions on India’s soft power, cultural diplomacy and growing global influence.The day-long programme was held on the theme, “Bharat’s Soft Power: Cultural Diplomacy and Global Influence for Viksit Bharat”, with the deliberations focussing on how India’s cultural heritage, knowledge, diversity, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and youthful energy could strengthen the country’s global identity and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.Key inputs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi were presented to set the context for the discussions. Vice-Chancellor of VIT-AP University Arulmozhivarman said the platform was created to provide young people with an opportunity to engage with national priorities and turn their ideas into meaningful action.He said India’s soft power was rooted in its culture, knowledge, diversity and youthful energy, and stressed the need to nurture a generation capable of strengthening the country’s global influence.Students engaged in an interaction with a panel comprising experts from industry, technology, architecture, government, culture, entrepreneurship and the creative sector and the panel included co-founder, Avera AI Mobility Chandni Chandana, head of the Culture wing in Motorola Solutions India K. Keshava Ram, founder of cultural organisation Jignasa Y. Bhargav, Director of School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Vijayawada Ramesh Sirikonda, former Director, Department of Language and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh Vizaibhaskar, Managing Director and co-founder of Champions Group Hemamalini Nidamanuri, founder of SM Semicon Siva Makutam, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India Megha Chawla and Bharatanatyam artist Mythri Rao, .The panelists shared their experiences on leveraging Indian culture, traditional arts, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and contemporary ideas to enhance the country’s soft power and international standing. The Young Professionals Roundtable featured panel discussions, participant interventions and open-floor interactions. Students and young professionals raised questions and exchanged views with the panelists on the opportunities and challenges associated with India’s growing global influence.University Registrar M. Jagadish Chandra and Deputy Director of Student Welfare Khadeer Pasha were also present. Published - September 10, 2026 10:59 pm IST