Write books that inspire India’s youth: Pradhan to PM-YUVA authors

NEW DELHI: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday interacted with 43 young writers selected under the PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, urging them to use the mentorship period to produce meaningful books that inspire young Indians to read, write and engage deeply with knowledge.

During the interaction, the authors presented brief overviews of their forthcoming manuscripts being developed under the six-month mentorship programme.

Pradhan underlined the need for strong research support and directed that both physical and digital resources be facilitated through the National Book Trust. He said the authors should be given access to academic resources under the One Nation, One Subscription initiative, and suggested affiliating them with central universities in their respective regions to strengthen research and manuscript development.

He noted that the diversity of the selected authors reflected the diversity of India, with books being written on themes such as the contribution of the Indian diaspora to nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and the makers of modern India. The interaction also featured discussions on culture, technology, knowledge creation and the national vision, with Pradhan saying the enthusiasm and confidence of the young writers reinforced the vision of a developed India.

The 43 PM-YUVA 3.0 authors are attending a national camp being held during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, underway from January 10 to 18 at Bharat Mandapam. The fair is being organised by the Ministry of Education through the National Book Trust.

The PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme aims to nurture young writers, promote a culture of reading and writing, and showcase India’s intellectual and cultural diversity.