: Inspiring Youth Leadership at IIT Delhi
New Delhi, Over 500 students, innovators, and industry leaders came together at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on April 20 for the Youth Speak Forum (YSF) 2025, an exciting forum focused on youth leadership and sustainable development. Organized in collaboration with Academic Outreach & New Initiatives at IIT Delhi, the forum attracted over 50 college participants. The event promoted the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing quality education, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and responsible consumption and production.
The one-day event included a series of motivational keynote speeches, interactive workshops, provocative panel discussions, and AIESEC’s iconic “jiving” dance, which provided a lively environment of collaboration and action. An inclusive panel of speakers presented their wisdom, inspiring students to bring change to their locality and the wider world. IIT Delhi Assistant Professor Prof. Deepak Jain spoke with ardour about technology and innovation tackling global issues and challenged students to use academic insight to solve world problems. Shri Krishna Kumar, Director (HR) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), highlighted ethical leadership and green practices in industry, based on his experience in one of India’s top public sector enterprises.
The success of YSF 2025 was enhanced by its partners, who each brought unique expertise to add value to the event. The Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS), headed by its founder Mohit Soni, who was also one of the speakers, encouraged innovation by supporting creative problem-solving and skill building, encouraging the audience with his vision to empower young people through creative learning. Tutcart expanded educational endeavors through its education technology platform, improving accessible learning, and formally launched its platform at the conference, which was a watershed moment in empowering students with digital learning tools. Tutcart Takes Off at IIT Delhi: A New Era in Learning Begins—A fervent launch at IIT Delhi on April 20, 2025, saw Tutcart launching its ambitious EdTech 3.0 vision—one that heralds rewriting the learning rules. With a sleek combination of innovation and accessibility, Tutcart brings students together with the best tutors in academics, arts, and skills, all through one strong, personalised platform. Its point of difference? Learning that accommodates the learner—not the reverse. Unibic led the way in sustainable consumption by championing environmentally friendly food production. XTCY infused dynamic energy, captivating participants with innovative event experiences. Ambitio partnered with the forum by empowering students with global education and career resources, in keeping with the pursuit of quality education. Bonji, being the sole speaker hamper partner, selected meaningful gifts for speakers and provided a personalized touch to the event. All these partnerships developed a strong platform for action and meaningful dialogue.
Entrepreneurs also stepped on stage and told their stories and shared their experiences. Gauri Kaushish Varma, the creator of Confect and a participant in Shark Tank India Season 4, shared the significance of sustainable business models in the world of baking and encouraged the attendees to follow purpose-driven businesses. Richa Kapila, the co-founder of D’chica and also a participant of Shark Tank, emphasized how youth entrepreneurship can contribute to responsible consumption, speaking of her journey to create a brand that empowers young women. Tutcart founder Sahib Singh Sapra referred to the revolutionizing strength of education technology, calling upon students to leverage digital resources to increase accessibility to learning.
Sanjay Kathuria, a financial educator, underscored the importance of discipline as a success recipe, inspiring delegates to remain oriented towards their objectives. UN Women’s Gauri Agarwal promoted balanced gender practice in sustainable production, highlighting equity as necessary for green development. Corporate learning guru Deepak Bajaj rallied the audience with an appeal to align personal goals with international issues, urging bold leadership. “Young people are the engine of a sustainable future,” said Prof. Jain. “Your imagination, fueled by innovation, can find solutions to the world’s largest challenges.”
Inclusivity was central to YSF 2025, with the event hosting a diverse array of participants, including deaf participants accompanied by professional interpreters. Students from more than 50 colleges brought diverse perspectives, and rich debates on sustainability and leadership ensued. This focus on accessibility meant that each voice influenced the conversation, providing a model for inclusive events.
The forum featured interactive workshops in design thinking, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, giving participants hands-on skills to solve world problems. A panel discussion looked at how young people can push quality education, decent work, and responsible consumption, and presented actionable advice for making an impact. AIESEC also promoted its international internship and volunteer programs, through which young people can work on sustainable development initiatives globally. These opportunities created anticipation among participants willing to learn cross-cultural leadership.
The conference ended with AIESEC’s signature jiving dance, an energetic performance that brought participants together in a lively celebration of youth, cooperation, and common cause. The upbeat moment reinforced the forum’s mission to inspire and connect young changemakers.
YSF 2025 gave participants new abilities, connections, and motivation to face global problems. Participants were inspired to initiate projects, participate in AIESEC’s international programs, and promote sustainability in their own communities.