MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam wants the younger generation who are highly educated to be active in the party's activities.

This would strengthen ties and understanding between the party leaders and grassroots, he said.

"That is why we are proposing to open 500 new MIC branches throughout the country, specifically to get the involvement of qualified and skilled youths," Dr Subramaniam said.

"At the same time, we are also conducting programmes for the party's leaders to meet Indians of all levels in the country," he said after launching the Perlis Ponggal Unity Festival at Dewan Warisan, here, last night.

He added that with the involvement and creative ideas of the young, the party would have a brighter future.

"The response from the Indian community has been very good, judging from the number who attended the programmes organised by the party, and we will continue with more activities that involve the young," he said.