Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 25: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today interacted with the youth participants from “Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership” (IIDL) Mumbai, a premier institution shaping the next generation of leaders in politics, governance and public affairs. The over one hour long lively interaction mostly revolved around governance innovations and evolving democratic practices.
In a dynamic session, the Minister lauded IIDL’s efforts in bridging the gap between young talent and India’s democratic and governance needs, describing the initiative as a stepping stone towards creating “New Leaders for a New India.”
Speaking to a group of enthusiastic students and young professionals enrolled in IIDL’s flagship Post Graduate Programme in Leadership, Politics, and Governance, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of preparing youth for the challenges of a rapidly evolving democratic landscape. “Today’s youth are more aware, more participative, and more aspirational than ever. What they need are platforms like IIDL to channel this energy into meaningful contributions for the nation,” he said.
The trainees were accompanied by their faculty led by Prof Ameya Sunil Mahajan.
Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence in modern political strategies, emphasizing its role in enhancing governance and communication. Speaking on the recent training sessions on AI-led election campaigning and war-room strategies, the Minister noted that AI’s potential to map development projects, create impactful campaign content, and analyse public sentiment offers an unparalleled advantage in connecting with citizens. Highlighting the importance of ethical technology use, he urged political representatives to leverage AI tools responsibly to strengthen democratic processes and deliver on development promises.
The Minister also lauded efforts in leadership training and capacity building, particularly for women representatives, as a significant step toward inclusive governance. He expressed pride in initiatives like ‘She is a Changemaker,’ which empower women from grassroots levels to parliamentary positions with essential decision-making and leadership skills. Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the transformative impact of such programmes, noting how they inspire confidence and equip leaders to effectively address the aspirations of their constituencies.”
Participants engaged in a lively Q&A session with the Minister, discussing topics ranging from governance innovations to India’s role on the global stage. Many described the interaction as inspiring, with one student noting, “It’s rare to see policymakers engage so directly and candidly with future leaders. This session reaffirmed my commitment to contributing to the democratic process.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh’s interaction highlighted the increasing relevance of such institutions in shaping India’s future. As the Minister noted, “The youth are the architects of tomorrow, and with the right guidance, they will ensure that India continues on its path to global leadership.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
