Prime Minister’s Scheme For Mentoring Young Authors

National Education Policy 2020 has emphasised on the empowerment of the young minds and creating a learning eco-system that can make the young readers/learners ready for leadership roles in the future world. India is considered to be a ‘young country’ because 66% of its total population are young and can be tapped for capacity and nation building. In this context, a national scheme for mentoring generations of young authors has proven to be a significant stepping stone for laying the foundation of the future leaders of the creative world. The first mentorship scheme was launched on 31st May 2021. The theme was National Movement of India with focus on Unsung Heroes; little known facts about the Freedom Struggle; Role of various places in National Movement; Entries bringing out new perspectives related to political, cultural, economic, or science related aspects of national movement etc. as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

This scheme has been conceptualised on the premise that the twenty first century India needs to groom a generation of young authors to create ambassadors of Indian literature and world view. In view of the fact that our country is ranked third in the arena of book publishing and we have a treasure trove of indigenous literature, India must project it at the global stage.

THEMES

The Themes of PM-YUVA 3.0 are:
1) Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building;
2) Indian Knowledge System; and
3) Makers of Modern India (1950-2025).

The scheme will help to develop a stream of writers who can write on various facets of India encompassing the past, present and future. Besides, the scheme will also provide a window to the aspiring youth to articulate themselves and present a comprehensive outlook of contribution of Indians across fields in ancient and present times.

Theme 1: Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building

‘Diaspora’ describes any group of people who move away from their homeland to other parts of the world. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indian diaspora population is estimated to be over 35 million, consisting of both Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in around 200 countries, making it one of the largest diaspora communities globally.

It is believed that the history of Indian migration goes back to the first century AD during the reign of Kanishka. These group of people were known as ‘gypsies’ who settled in Europe. The records of Indians moving to Southeast Asia can be found during the times of Ashoka, Samudragupta, Ashoka, etc. In the middle of the 16th century, many people of India migrated to Central Asian and Arabic countries for trade purpose. Later, with the arrival of Colonial powers in India including the British, French and Dutch, began the migration of ‘indentured labourers’ to their colonies in countries like Fiji, Guyana, Mauritius, Surinam, Trinidad, etc. After the Second World War, skilled workers migrated to developed countries. The latest phase of migration includes migration of contract workers and skilled professions to the Gulf and European countries as well Canada and USA.

Indians have settled in these countries successfully, while maintaining their cultural heritage and upholding their values and beliefs. The Indian Diaspora has played a crucial role in nation-building. Many of the people of Indian origin have progressed and hold important positions in different spheres in their adopted countries. Indian diaspora is known for its contributions in political, economic and socio-cultural fields with peaceful integration.

Suggested Sub-themes for Book Proposals on the theme Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building

• Indian Diaspora in Africa
• Indian Diaspora in Europe
• Indian Diaspora in Asia
• Indian Diaspora in Latin America
• Indian Diaspora in North America
• Indian Diaspora in Australia
• Contributions of Indian Diaspora in Independence Movement
• Indian Diaspora in Contemporary Times
•  Indian Diaspora Writings (literature)
• Role of Indian Diaspora in International Relations

Theme 2: Indian Knowledge System

India has a rich repository of vast knowledge in varied fields like mathematics, philosophy, arts, culture, architecture, astronomy, etc. This abundant knowledge accumulated over thousands of years has evolved out of experience, observation, experimentation and rigorous analysis. It has been passed on from one generation to another in the form of oral, textual and artistic traditions.

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) encompasses everything about India-Jnan, Vigyan and Jeevan Darshan. It helps us understand India’s remarkable contribution to the world in different fields. The invention of zero, decimal system, smelting of zinc among others paved the way for development in science and technology. Similarly, India’s innovations in the field of medicine like plastic surgery and Ayurveda; yoga, philosophy enshrined in Vedas and Upanishads depict the progress that India made in those times.

The Indian Knowledge System helps us analyse the importance of historical wisdom in contemporary times and identify new opportunities that it can bring in synthesizing new knowledge for the welfare and development of the country. IKS is vital for preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. It provides a foundation for appreciating the depth of indigenous knowledge.

Suggested Sub-themes for Book Proposals on the theme Indian Knowledge System

• Texts: The Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient texts
• Practices: Yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda
• Arts: Indian music, dance, visual arts, and performing arts
• Architecture: Traditional architecture and town planning
• Science: Astronomy, mathematics, and concepts like zero and decimal notation
• Philosophy: Vedanta, Tantra, and other philosophical traditions
• Cultures: Cultural and social practices, traditions, and heritage
• Institutions
• Management and Ethics through Ancient texts
• Importance of Yoga and Ayurveda in Holistic Well-being
• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Yoga and other Indian practices
• Importance and Role of IKS in Present Times

Theme 3: Makers of Modern India (1950 – 2025)

India’s independence in 1947 came with significant challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, socio-cultural issues, displaced populations, and food shortages. The nation’s builders faced the daunting task of transforming India into a self-reliant and progressive democracy. Political leaders laid the foundations for democratic governance, social equality, and justice through a progressive Constitution and visionary policies.

Visionaries across fields played pivotal roles in nation-building. Educational pioneers established institutions like IITs and IIMs, while scientists advanced India’s capabilities in space exploration, atomic energy, and telecommunications. Economic reformers boosted industrialization, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure, exemplified by major dams and power projects that supported India’s self-sufficiency and growth. In arts and culture, creators preserved India’s rich heritage while elevating it globally, and social reformers championed equality and empowerment for marginalized communities.

In contemporary India, the legacy of its nation-builders continues to evolve through rapid technological advancements, economic growth, and social progress. As a global leader in digital innovation, space exploration, and renewable energy, India has emerged as a key player on the world stage. Economic liberalization and entrepreneurship have fuelled a thriving start-up ecosystem, while infrastructure expansion has transformed urban and rural landscapes. At the same time, efforts toward social inclusion, gender equality, and environmental sustainability remain central to the nation’s progress. Balancing tradition with modernity, India continues to shape its future as a vibrant, democratic, and forward-looking society.

Collectively, these makers of modern India shaped a dynamic and resilient nation that continues to strive for innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity on the world stage.

Suggested Sub-themes for Book Proposals on the theme Makers of Modern India (1950 – 2025)

• Visionary Leaders and Political Architects
• Educational Trailblazers and Knowledge Builders
• Scientific Innovators and Tech Revolutionaries
• Economic Architects and Industrial Pioneers
• Infrastructure Builders and Urban Planners
• Cultural Icons and Artistic Luminaries
• Social Reformers and Champions of Equality
• Global Diplomats and Advocates of International Leadership

The sub-themes mentioned for each theme are only indicative in nature and the contestants are free to devise their topics as per the framework given in this scheme document.

PROPOSAL

This proposal of mentorship of young authors is in tune with PM’s vision of Global Citizen that needs to be launched to train young and budding authors up to the age of 30 years in order to promote reading, writing and book culture in the country, and project India and Indian writings globally.

The contestants will be asked to submit a Book proposal of 10,000 words. Therefore, division as per the following :

IMPLEMENTATION & EXECUTION

The National Book Trust, India (under BP Division, Ministry of Education, GOI) as the Implementing Agency will ensure phase-wise execution of the Scheme under well-defined stages of mentorship.

SELECTION PROCEDURE OF YOUNG AUTHORS

• A total of 50 authors will be selected.
• The number of authors to be selected as per the theme:
  1. Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building – 10 authors
  2. Indian Knowledge System – 20 authors
  3. Makers of Modern India (1950-2025) – 20 authors
• The selection will be made by a Committee to be constituted by NBT.

GUIDELINES

• Applicants who had qualified for the PM-YUVA Scheme 1.0 and PM-YUVA Scheme 2.0 are not eligible for PM-YUVA 3.0 Scheme 2025-26.
• Contestants should not have any personal, professional, or academic obligations that interfere with the mentorship schedule during the PM-YUVA 3.0.
• The maximum age of the contestant should be exactly 30 years or below as on 11 March 2025.
• The submissions of the manuscript will be accepted through MyGov only till 11:59 PM on 10th June 2025.
• The genre of the entry of PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme should be Non-Fiction only.
• The change of topic of the Book Proposal will not be allowed after submission.
• There should be only ONE entry per person.

MENTORSHIP SCHEDULE – SIX MONTHS

• National Book Trust, India will organise a Writers’ Online Programme for the selected candidates in the form of Master classes.
• The young authors will be trained by eminent authors/mentors from NBT’s panel of accomplished authors and writers.
•  In addition, eminent authors/mentors under NBT’s Advisory Panel and other eminent authors from various languages will mentor and guide them on how to exercise their literary skills.
• The eco-system of publishing–how a content is created, authors are  mentored, the editorial processes that take place, literary agents spot  creative talent would be an integral aspect of the programme.
• The authors will get to expand their understanding and hone their skills through interaction at various international events such as Literary Festivals, Book Fairs, Cultural Exchange Programmes, etc.

Awards:-

• A consolidated scholarship of Rs. 50,000 per month for a period of six months (50,000 x 6 = Rs. 3 Lakh) per author will be paid under the Mentorship Scheme.
•  A royalty of 10% will be payable to the authors on successful publications of their books at the end of the Mentorship Program.
•  The books thus published under the scheme may be translated into other Indian languages ensuring the exchange of culture and literature between different states of India and thereby promoting Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat.
• They will also be given a platform to promote their books and also to propagate the Reading and Writing culture on a national scale.

Deadline:- 10-06-2025

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