Young professionals, creators, students, artists, entrepreneurs and others came together during the inaugural edition of Youth Federation of India (YFI) held at the Lucknow Museum of Heritage and Art (LMHA).
On forming the group, founder Raghav Prakash says, “This platform enables youngsters who can meet beyond their existing circles, exchange ideas, collaborate and collectively shape the future. This edition was held on the concept 'Where Heritage Meets the Future'.”
Group's co-founder Arsh Ali Chandel took the group around the museum and gave an insight into the rich heritage of Awadh.
Digital creator on heritage-related topic Maroof Umar 'Culmen' said, "This meet and greet at the heart of the old city, with talks of entrepreneurship, Tehzeeb and AI, was refreshing."
Participants discussed what Lucknow's heritage means to the next generation and what deserves to be carried forward—from Tehzeeb and hospitality to literature, craftsmanship, arts, culture and its plural identity. There was a strong sentiment that heritage should not simply be preserved in museums, but should become a living source of inspiration for contemporary India.
Yashovarman Singh Chandel, who has come from Mahoba, said, "I just came for this event and after a heartening discussion realise that youths have the potential to bring about a fundamental change in how heritage and future are thought of."
Entrepreneur Simran Lekhi informed the people about the exhibits that she has curated and have been displayed at the LMHA. "The YFI is doing a tremendous job bringing the creative people and the young together," she said.
PhD scholar Sonakshi Grover said, "To see people across legacy businesses, law, content and tech share a socially sensitive outlook towards the future was heartwarming. We touched on topics across agriculture, AI, heritage preservation, politics—a breadth that was refreshing! Ideas of today seamlessly churned with a well-researched curation of Awadh's past."
After conducting the guided tour, Chandel tells HT City that they aim to be a community of young Indians who are curious about the world, rooted in their heritage and ambitious about the future.
Aishwarya Singh Tilloi said, "The YFI has brought the creative and the young of the city together at such an exclusive yet accommodative conclave; the idea to bring about the youth of Awadh is appreciated."
Museum director Juwairia Qamruddin added, "Such collaborations reaffirm the museum's role as a space where heritage inspires dialogue, ideas, and meaningful connections across generations."
Around 80 people, largely youngsters and school-goers, attended the event.
Deep Saxena writes on Bollywood, OTT, television, food and culture for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.
