Odia youth holding India’s baton in South Asian Youth Summit

Bhubaneswar: In a country where youths are being seen as the drivers of growth, it needs protagonists who can raise their issues to facilitate policymaking for their development in every sphere of life.

One such opportunity has come knocking for Bikram Nayak from Odisha, who is representing India at the South Asian Youth Summit 2017 in the people’s choice leader award. Bikram Nayak, a masters in Social Work and gold medallist from Utkal University believes his nomination and representation can act as an inspiration for many.

The South Asian Youth Summit, organised by the International Youth Committee is a forum which aims to foster discussion on youth affairs and suggest recommendations for youth development to policymakers.

Bikram got his chance when he filed an application during his visit to the World Youth Conference in New Delhi. Bikram who is an advisor to the Sports and Youth Affairs department of Odisha government, was selected based on his experience and academic credentials.

After competing with representatives of 45 countries in the preliminary round, Bikram has made it to the final round which now has representation from nine countries.

“I hope that representing India at the summit will act as an inspiration for many who can now believe that anyone can represent the country at international platforms. Moreover, this will give me an opportunity to raise various issues affecting the youths today,” said Bikram while talking to OTV.

Bhubaneswar is hosting the summit which will see discussions and deliberations on various youth affairs between the participants.

“All the recommendations during the summit will be complied in document - Bhubaneswar Declaration and will be sent to the United Nations which will suggest policymakers of various countries,” said Bikram.

Online voting for the participants is on till August 15.