NSS National Awardee invited to Tyumen for ‘New Generation’ and ‘Discover Your Russia’ programmes
Shimla, August 10: Himachal Pradesh youth leader, social worker and NSS National Awardee Lalit Kumar Dogra will represent India at an international youth programme in Russia on the occasion of International Youth Day.
Dogra has been invited as an international youth delegate to the Tyumen region of Russia, where the programmes ‘New Generation’ and ‘Discover Your Russia’ will be held from August 12 to 18, 2026.
His participation has been facilitated through an international youth exchange initiative associated with the BRICS Youth Alliance and Rossotrudnichestvo, Russia’s Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation.
The programme will bring together selected youth delegates from several countries, providing them an opportunity to engage in international youth cooperation, cultural exchange and discussions on youth-led initiatives.
During his visit, Dogra will share his experiences of India’s youth leadership, volunteering, community development and urban youth engagement. He is expected to present the Indian perspective on youth participation and the role of young people in driving social change.
Dogra began his journey in youth leadership and social service through the National Service Scheme (NSS). His sustained work in volunteering, youth participation, community development, environmental conservation and social initiatives earned him national recognition, including the NSS National Award for 2019–20.
He has also previously represented India at an international programme associated with the United Nations Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia-Pacific, held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dogra is currently serving as a Youth Coordinator in the Urban Youth Unit of the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), New Delhi. NIUA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.
In his present role, he works on youth engagement, leadership, capacity building and youth-centric initiatives, with a focus on connecting urban youth with urban development and social participation.
A proud moment for Himachal
Dogra’s selection to represent India in Russia is being seen as a significant achievement for the youth of Himachal Pradesh. His journey from grassroots volunteering through NSS to receiving the national award and participating in international platforms reflects the growing role of Indian youth in global forums.
The Tyumen programme will also provide Dogra an opportunity to understand Russian culture, society and youth initiatives while exchanging experiences with delegates from different countries.
Dogra said that representing India in Russia is not merely a personal achievement but a responsibility to highlight the contribution of India’s youth and volunteers working for social change.
His participation is expected to showcase the youth power of Himachal Pradesh and India’s emerging youth leadership on an international platform.
