Chandigarh | Jan 14 : Chandigarh has brought immense pride to the Union Territory at the national level as Karika Thakur, a student of BA III (Honours) in English at MCM DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, won the Gold Medal (1st Position) in the Declamation event under the Cultural Track at the 29th National Youth Festival – Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026.
The prestigious national festival was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 9 to 12, 2026, and witnessed participation from youth representatives of all States and Union Territories across the country.
Karika was selected to represent Chandigarh after her outstanding performance at the Chandigarh Youth Festival, organised by the Sports Department, Chandigarh Administration, on December 25, 2025, at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, where she emerged as the winner in the Declamation event.
Dr. Bhagwant Singh, Contingent Leader, Chandigarh, who was present during the contest and prize distribution ceremony, described the achievement as a moment of great honour for the city. He said that winning gold under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue platform is especially significant as the initiative aims to empower youth and nurture leadership aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Congratulating Karika on her remarkable success, Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary Sports, Mr. Saurabh Kumar Arora, PCS, Director Sports, and Dr. Mahinder Singh, Joint Director Sports, Chandigarh Administration, lauded her exemplary performance and extended their best wishes for her future academic and professional endeavours.
The Sports Department, Chandigarh Administration, termed the achievement a reflection of Chandigarh’s strong youth development ecosystem and reiterated its commitment to promoting cultural excellence and leadership among young प्रतिभाएं through platforms like the National Youth Festival.
