Archive · 19 Aug 2026
BRICS Youth Summit Highlights Gujarat’s Journey From Charkha To Space
The BRICS Youth Summit brought young people from 11 countries to Gandhinagar.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi welcomed them.
He said young people are important not only for the future but also for solving problems today.
He described how Gujarat moved from traditional spinning wheels to advanced technology and space work.
The state has created a Rs 1,000 crore fund to help young entrepreneurs develop new ideas.
Sanghavi also said development should protect the environment.
He reported that Gujarat’s renewable energy capacity has passed 33.39 gigawatts.
The delegates will visit the Statue of Unity and learn about India’s history and diversity.
A new youth volunteering portal was also launched at the event.
The BRICS Youth Summit and Youth Council began in Gandhinagar with delegates from 11 countries attending.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi described youth as the present strength of their countries and highlighted their role in nation-building.
Sanghavi said Gujarat had advanced from the spinning wheel to GIFT City, semiconductors and space technology while preserving its heritage.
The Gujarat STI Policy 2026-31 includes a Rs 1,000 crore innovation fund for young entrepreneurs from India and abroad.
Delegates will visit the Statue of Unity and participate in programmes focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
- Who
- BRICS youth delegates from 11 countries, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse and other officials.
- What
- The BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Council began, alongside the launch of the Friends of MY Bharat portal and release of a digital volunteering compendium.
- When
- The summit began on Wednesday; India is holding the BRICS chairship in 2026.
- Where
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with delegates scheduled to visit the Statue of Unity at Kevadia.
- Why
- The programmes aim to promote youth entrepreneurship, innovation, cooperation, volunteering and sustainability.
- Participating countries
- Youth delegates from 11 countries are taking part.
- BRICS demographic share
- BRICS countries together account for 49.5% of the global population and around 40% of global GDP, according to Harsh Sanghavi.
- Youth population
- More than half of the combined BRICS population is below age 35, Sanghavi said.
- Innovation fund
- Gujarat’s STI Policy 2026-31 includes a Rs 1,000 crore fund for young entrepreneurs from India and abroad.
- Renewable energy
- Gujarat’s renewable energy capacity has crossed 33.39 GW, according to Sanghavi.
- Scheduled visit
- Delegates will visit the Statue of Unity at Kevadia.
- New initiatives
- The Friends of MY Bharat portal was launched and the Digital Compendium of Volunteering Practices was released.