New Delhi: The Ministry of Education has launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors, known as PM-YUVA 3.0. This initiative, implemented by the National Book Trust (NBT), is a visionary step toward nurturing India’s literary talent, fostering a reading and writing culture, and promoting Indian literature on a global stage. With a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, the scheme provides a structured mentorship program for aspiring authors under the age of 30.

Understanding PM-YUVA 3.0

PM-YUVA (Young, Upcoming, and Versatile Authors) was first launched in 2021 and has now entered its third phase. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes creative expression, knowledge dissemination, and skill development. The program aims to mentor budding authors while encouraging them to explore India’s heritage, culture, and contemporary development through their literary works.

Key Objectives of PM-YUVA 3.0

1. Encouraging Young Writers: The scheme is designed to provide a platform for emerging authors to develop their writing skills and contribute to India’s literary growth.
2. Promoting Indian Literature Globally: Selected books will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages, fostering cultural exchange under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative.
3. Highlighting Key Themes: Authors will write on topics that reflect India’s rich heritage, its knowledge systems, and its modern evolution.
4. Enhancing Book Culture: By mentoring authors, the scheme aims to rejuvenate interest in books and writing among India’s youth.

Eligibility and Selection Process

The selection process for PM-YUVA 3.0 is highly competitive, ensuring that only the most promising authors are chosen. The contest is conducted through MyGov, an online platform that allows participants to submit their manuscripts. The key details of the selection process are as follows:

• Age Limit: Open to individuals below 30 years of age.
• Themes for Manuscripts: Participants must submit their works based on one of the following themes:
  • Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Nation-Building – 10 writers will be selected.
  • Indian Knowledge System – 20 writers will be selected.
  • Makers of Modern India (1950-2025) – 20 writers will be selected.

• Contest Dates: The submission period is from March 11 to April 10, 2025.
• Selection and Announcement: Manuscripts will be reviewed by an expert panel, and the final list of 50 selected authors will be announced in May-June 2025.

Benefits of PM-YUVA 3.0

Selected participants receive a range of benefits aimed at enhancing their writing skills and career opportunities:

1. Mentorship from Renowned Authors: The chosen authors will undergo an intensive training program with established literary figures from June 30 to December 30, 2025.
2. Publication and Translation of Books: Each selected manuscript will be published by NBT and translated into multiple Indian languages.
3. Participation in Literary Festivals: Authors will have the chance to present their work at prestigious literary events, including the New Delhi World Book Fair in 2026.
4. Financial Support: The program offers monetary assistance to authors to support their research and writing process.

The Significance of the Three Themes

1. Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Nation-Building

India has one of the largest and most influential diasporas globally, contributing significantly to economic, political, and cultural growth. This theme focuses on highlighting the impact of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in fields such as science, technology, business, and international diplomacy.

2. Indian Knowledge System

With a rich tradition of ancient wisdom, sciences, and philosophy, India’s knowledge system is deeply rooted in disciplines like Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedic mathematics, and classical arts. This theme aims to shed light on how traditional knowledge remains relevant in contemporary times.

3. Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)

This theme focuses on individuals who have shaped India’s post-independence trajectory, including leaders in politics, economics, science, and social justice. Writers will explore the contributions of visionaries who have transformed India into a global powerhouse.

Implementation and Role of the National Book Trust (NBT)

The National Book Trust (NBT) is the implementing agency for PM-YUVA 3.0. Its role includes:

• Organizing mentorship programs with established writers.
• Ensuring selected books are published and translated.
• Hosting national-level literary festivals to showcase the works of young authors.

Through its Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, NBT ensures that literary works reach a diverse readership across India, thereby strengthening regional and linguistic inclusivity.

PM-YUVA’s Alignment with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

PM-YUVA 3.0 directly aligns with the NEP 2020 by promoting creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual leadership. The scheme is expected to have a profound impact on India’s education system by:

• Encouraging young scholars to document and publish their ideas.
• Strengthening regional language literature.
• Fostering a culture of research and knowledge-sharing.

Impact on India’s Literary and Cultural Ecosystem

The PM-YUVA scheme is not just a writing competition—it is a nation-building initiative that nurtures young talent and contributes to India’s global literary identity. By promoting writing in regional languages, the scheme plays a crucial role in preserving India’s linguistic heritage.

Moreover, by selecting themes rooted in India’s historical and contemporary significance, PM-YUVA 3.0 ensures that the next generation of writers is well-informed and globally competitive.

Conclusion

The launch of PM-YUVA 3.0 marks another milestone in India’s journey toward fostering a knowledge-driven society. This initiative is not just about training young authors; it is about empowering them to tell India’s story to the world. By providing mentorship, publication opportunities, and financial support, the government is laying the foundation for a stronger literary future.

Aspiring authors have a golden opportunity to contribute to India’s intellectual and cultural discourse through this scheme. As applications open, young writers across the country must seize this chance to showcase their creativity and add to the rich tapestry of Indian literature.

For those interested in participating, the submission window is open from March 11 to April 10, 2025, on MyGov.in. With PM-YUVA 3.0, the government continues its mission to cultivate the next generation of literary leaders, ensuring that India’s voice resonates on the global stage.

FAQs on PM-YUVA 3.0