Indian Youth Selected as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys for 2026–2030
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has facilitated the selection of three Indian Sanchar Mitras as International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Generation Connect Youth Envoys (GCYE) for the 2026–2030 term. The selection highlights the growing role of Indian youth in shaping the global digital future and strengthening youth participation in international technology and connectivity discussions.
Ankit Kumar Pal from Delhi, Manish Kumar Mandal from Bengaluru, and Sushmita Sai from Guwahati have been selected for the third cohort of ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys. Their selection recognises their contributions under the Sanchar Mitra initiative and their engagement in areas such as digital inclusion, ICT education and skills, research, technology, entrepreneurship, innovation and community-level digital initiatives.
The Generation Connect Youth Envoy programme provides young people with opportunities to participate in national, regional and global dialogues concerning Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), digital transformation and inclusive digital development. It aims to strengthen youth leadership and enable young people to contribute meaningfully to the formulation of digital priorities and initiatives.
The initiative is closely aligned with the objectives of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme, which seeks to connect India’s youth with telecommunications and digital initiatives while providing exposure to national and international platforms. Following ITU’s invitation for nominations for the third cohort, the Department of Telecommunications identified suitable candidates from among Sanchar Mitras based on their demonstrated involvement in youth-led initiatives and technology-oriented activities.Strengthening Youth Participation in Digital Governance
The selection reinforces India’s approach towards youth-led digital governance and inclusive technological development. By facilitating participation in global platforms such as the ITU, the government is creating avenues for young Indians to gain international exposure, develop leadership capabilities and contribute to discussions on emerging digital technologies and connectivity.
The initiative also supports India’s broader Digital India and digital empowerment objectives, particularly by encouraging young people to become active stakeholders in the country’s digital transformation rather than remaining passive users of technology.
Sanchar Mitra Scheme
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme engages students as catalysts for digital empowerment and community outreach. Designated Sanchar Mitras conduct awareness activities in educational institutions, communities and public spaces on citizen-centric telecommunications services, prevention of telecom fraud, mobile security and responsible use of digital services.
The scheme is open to students of technical institutions offering programmes related to telecommunications, electronics, computer science, cybersecurity and allied fields. It is being implemented through the regional Licensed Service Area (LSA) offices of the Department of Telecommunications across States and Union Territories.
More than 200 institutions are currently participating in the initiative.
Governance Significance
The selection of Indian Sanchar Mitras as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys represents an important step towards institutionalising youth participation in digital policy and global technology governance. It provides a platform for Indian youth to contribute to international conversations on connectivity, digital inclusion, ICT skills, innovation and responsible technology use.
The initiative demonstrates the government’s emphasis on capacity building, digital inclusion, youth leadership and international collaboration, while strengthening India’s participation in the evolving global digital ecosystem.
