International Youth Day and the launch of Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program (VBYCP) Report

In view of International Youth Day and the launch of Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program (VBYCP), the Health and Social Welfare Committee of the Students Nurses Association (SNA) 2025, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal conducted a Debate competition for undergraduate students of MCON, which was held on August 12, 2025 from 4.00 to 5.30 pm in Seminar Hall, 2nd floor, Manipal College of Nursing. There were 16 participants in total, divided into four groups, each corresponding to a specific year. The judges for the event were Mrs Flavia Sharlet Noronha, Assistant Professor, and Mrs Prathibha Lydia Braggs, Lecturer, Department of Mental Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal. The debate was based on the topic “Do influencer cultures distort young people’s values,” and the participants prepared and presented their viewpoints promptly and enthusiastically. They discussed about how the current generation’s youth is affected by social media influences and how influencers like Mr. Beast and videos which educate the youth and how other videos which distort the youth’s minds exist – which can lead to toxic beauty and body standards which could be one of the main reasons for the uprising mental health issues like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorders. The debate ended with commentary from the judges who appreciated their good effort and shared their own experience and points regarding the debate, which ended on a good note.

The programme culminated with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Rosemi Ann Reji. The overall programme was coordinated by Ms. Rosemi Ann Reji, 7th semester BSc nursing and Mr. Sankar P, 5th semester student, under the guidance of Mrs Janet Alva, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Shalini G Nayak, Assistant Professor, Senior Scale, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal.

This initiative is in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. It serves to raise awareness about health, promote mental health, and well-being. Influencer culture can both amplify inequalities and offer platforms for marginalized voices, depending on how it's used. Promoting media literacy and critical thinking among youth helps them navigate influencer culture responsibly.