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New Delhi [India], June 27: In a move that’s likely to resonate with millions of India’s young people, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has kicked off a WhatsApp chatbot for the MY Bharat portal, making it easier than ever to find volunteering gigs, sign up for events, and get updates, straight from your phone.
The chatbot, which is already live, lets users just drop a “Hi” on WhatsApp to 7289001515, verify themselves with an OTP, and dive right into everything MY Bharat has to offer. From building a CV to exploring mentorship options or reporting issues, it’s all there, right in a chat window most of us already use every day.
“This is a step towards connecting with young Indians on the platforms they’re most comfortable with,” an official with the Ministry said. “We don’t want young people to jump through hoops, services should reach them where they are.”
Officials say the idea is simple: if you can order groceries on WhatsApp, why shouldn’t you also find government programs and volunteering opportunities the same way?
Visit: https://mybharat.gov.in/
And there’s more to come. The chatbot will soon get features like direct registrations, event participation uploads, reminders, even certificates and campaign updates, practically turning your phone into a youth engagement hub. Imagine getting a nudge when a new internship or volunteering slot opens up, or downloading documents without having to visit multiple websites.
For many, it’s a welcome change. “We’ve had students asking how to get involved or find opportunities. Telling them to visit a website they’ve never heard of isn’t always effective,” said a college counselor in Delhi. “But WhatsApp? They’re already on it every hour.”
The new system also aims to speed up support. Got a problem with your application? Report it in chat. Need updates on schemes or deadlines? The bot’s got your back with real-time messages. Officials say this kind of instant, two-way communication could transform how young people engage with government programs.
The MY Bharat platform itself has been designed to channel the energy of India’s massive youth population into volunteering, skills training, and mentorship, all with the ethos of service at its heart. By moving these services to WhatsApp, the Ministry hopes more people will not only learn about opportunities but also actually sign up and participate.
Over the next few months, the chatbot will start sending automated reminders, event highlights, and guides on everything from creating a standout CV to preparing for interviews. It’s also expected to share news about new government programs, giving young people a better shot at staying informed and taking action.
This initiative reflects a broader government effort to use technology in more accessible ways. Instead of building fancy apps that few will download, officials are focusing on platforms like WhatsApp, which already has deep penetration in both cities and villages.
The MY Bharat project, launched by the Department of Youth Affairs, aims to instil a spirit of service and civic duty among young people, offering pathways to contribute to national growth. But as many experts point out, having these opportunities is only half the battle; ensuring they’re easy to find and act upon is what will make the difference.
If the early buzz is any indication, the WhatsApp chatbot could soon become the main gateway for youth engagement in India.
