New Delhi: Students from across Delhi began lining up outside Ambedkar International Centre on Thursday, bundled up in sweaters bearing their school names. Inside, rows of book-filled stalls, animated conversations, and a packed auditorium set the tone for the city’s youth-focused gathering, the maiden NAMO Book Festival. Inaugurated by Union minister of state Jitender Singh, the two-day festival brought together books, ideas and young voices under one roof. Over 450 books by and about the Prime Minister were displayed across 10 categories. More than 800 students from over 30 colleges and engagement from over 200 schools marked the launch.A defining moment of Day 1 was the launch of the Gen V festival, a concept that reimagines India’s Gen Z as Gen V, a generation aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat. It was introduced through a short film. “The idea positions young Indians as builders focused on nation-making and long-term contribution, rather than disruption alone,” an official said.The festival, organised by Council for Media and Public Policy Research (CMPPR) in collaboration with Niswarth Kadam and Delhi Tourism Corporation, saw participation of over 30 authors and thinkers.Hansika from Rajdhani College, who performed at the event, said: “I am really happy with the reaction we got for our performance. Now, we will go and explore the book stands.” Amit, who came with his classmates from a Ghaziabad school, also sounded excited. “The discussions have been very informative,” he said.Explaining the thinking behind the Gen V narrative, Ashok Srivastava, director of CMPPR, said: “There is often a question raised about where India’s Gen Z stands. What we see is a generation that is preparing, learning and contributing. We can become Viksit Bharat by 2047 when we move forward together, with the youth playing a central role.”Youth engagement continued through focused interactions with national institutions. Shivkumar Kalyanaram, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, spoke to students about the importance of scientific temper, research-led growth, and institutional discipline. This was followed by a session on skills and employability by Arunkumar Pillai, CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation, who outlined India’s path to Net Zero by 2070 .Highlighting the intellectual direction of the festival, Ritu Gupta, founder and director of CMPPR, said: “Gen V is not a slogan. It reflects how young people think about the future.” Student voices took centre stage during the Young Leader session ‘Viksit Bharat Mein Meri Bhumika’.“This festival shows engagement with literature and public thought still matter,” said Pramod Raghav, founder of Niswarth Kadam.
