New Delhi, India, August 13 — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met young participants of the MP LEAD Fellowship Program and discussed India’s foreign policy and key national priorities.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet talented young participants from different parts of India under the MP LEAD Fellowship Program, organized by my parliamentary colleague @Drajeetgopchade.”
He added, “Their interest and enthusiasm for Indian foreign policy is commendable.”
Jaishankar said he spoke to the fellows about India’s international partnerships, diaspora welfare, the Neighbourhood First policy, technology, Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also met a group of MP LEAD fellows on Thursday and held an interaction with them on India’s foreign policy.
In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri met a group of MP-LEADS Fellows today and held an engaging discussion with them on India’s foreign policy. MP (RS) Dr. Shri Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade was present for the interaction.”
The interactions come as part of the MP LEAD Fellowship, a two-month internship program initiated by Rajya Sabha MP Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade that provides young people with exposure to governance, public policy and legislative processes.
The fellowship selected 40 participants from more than 5,000 applicants, with 62 percent of the fellows being women and participants representing diverse regions of the country, according to a July 2 press release issued by the Vice President’s Secretariat.
Interacting with the fellows at the Vice President’s residence on July 2, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan urged young people to become ethical leaders committed to national service.
“Leadership is measured not by authority but by one’s ability to serve society with humility, integrity and compassion,” he said.
According to the official press release, emphasizing India’s civilizational unity, the vice president said, “Bharat was one, Bharat is one and Bharat will always remain one,” while urging the fellows to rise above region, language and caste.
He also encouraged the participants to pursue excellence and contribute to nation-building, saying the fellowship provides young people with an opportunity to move beyond classrooms, build confidence and interact with national leaders.
“Who knows, one of you may also be holding the position of the Vice President of India,” Radhakrishnan remarked, encouraging the fellows to dream big and serve the nation with dedication.
The vice president further stressed the importance of constitutional values, citizens’ duties and the larger national interest, expressing confidence that the fellowship would help nurture future nation-builders who contribute to a developed and self-reliant India. (ANI)
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