Media Release
Mangaluru, May 14: Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), in association with the ministry of youth affairs and sports, government of India, will host the International Youth Conference – 'Icon Youth 2025' on May 15 and 16 at its campus in Mangaluru.
The two-day event will bring together over 650 youth delegates from 20 Indian states including Assam, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
The event will also host international delegates from Nigeria, Nepal, and Tibet, along with eminent speakers from Sri Lanka, Russia, Nigeria, and Thailand.
Inaugural ceremony
The event will be inaugurated on May 15 at 10 am at the Yenepoya Endurance Zone by Dr Sara Jyl Salmi, director of International Cooperation, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Dr M Vijayakumar, vice chancellor of Yenepoya University, will deliver the keynote address, while Dr Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, chancellor, will preside.
Poster Exhibition – A platform for innovation
Under the theme "Toward Inventive Frontiers – Ideathon for Transformative Startups", 145 students will showcase innovative ideas in a poster exhibition aimed at promoting youth-driven innovations in technology, entrepreneurship, and social development.
Special lectures and panel discussions
The conference will feature 18 speakers and 4 moderators from India and abroad who will lead sessions on a variety of youth-focused themes:
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Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation
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Women at the Heart of Development
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Space Research and Youth Involvement
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Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
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Youth Power for a Developed India
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Youth in the Digital Era
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Youth as Catalysts for Community Transformation
Valedictory ceremony and awards:
The valedictory function on May 16 will feature key dignitaries including:
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Ranadeep D, IAS, secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Government of Karnataka
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Chetan R, IPS, commissioner, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Karnataka
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Selvan, programme advisor, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
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Dr Pratap Lingayya, State NSS Officer, Government of Karnataka
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Karthikeyan Madheesh Parikh, founding director, BRICKS Youth Alliance
The session will be presided over by Dr M Vijayakumar, and winners of the poster exhibition will be honoured during the ceremony.
Icon Youth 2025 – Vision and objectives
Icon Youth 2025 aims to create a transformative platform where youth from India and abroad can interact with entrepreneurs, achievers, policymakers, and leaders from various sectors. The conference is designed to:
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Facilitate cross-cultural exchange
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Promote skill development in leadership, innovation, and public engagement
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Foster understanding of sustainable development goals and digital transformation
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Actively involve youth in building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India)
About the organisers
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, plays a vital role in youth empowerment and national development.
Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) is recognised for excellence in education, healthcare, and community service, making it a fitting host for this prestigious youth event.