By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 27: Young minds from across Meghalaya on Thursday conglomerated here for the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025, an initiative aimed at fostering youth engagement in democratic processes.
The event, held at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Mawkasiang, was organised by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in collaboration with the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma set the tone for the event, underscoring the importance of youth-driven policy-making.
“The final resolution crafted after this event will reflect the brilliance of youth policies, bringing them to the forefront of governance and media,” he said, encouraging participants to aspire for greatness while remaining humble and open to diverse perspectives.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Umsning legislator Celestine Lyngdoh, Mawlai legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang, Rajabala legislator Mizanur Rahman Kazi, Deputy Government Chief Whip and Mookaiaw legislator Nujorki Sungoh, Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Andrew Simons, and Deputy Director of NYKS D. Rapsang.
During the programme, Simons highlighted the significance of the Youth Parliament in equipping young people with an understanding of constitutional rights, particularly Article 19 and Article 21. He emphasised that such platforms enable meaningful discourse on national issues.
On the other hand, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, F. Rumnong, stressed the role of youth organisations in strengthening democratic participation.
He expressed optimism that initiatives like these would inspire a new generation to engage actively in governance.
It may be mentioned that a total of 69 students from across the state participated in the Youth Parliament, deliberating on two crucial themes, viz. ‘75 Years of the Indian Constitution: A Journey of Rights, Duties, and Progress’ and ‘The 11 Sankalp of Samvidhan Divas: A Pledge to Strengthen India’s Constitutional Values’.
Their presentations were evaluated by a panel, including Thomas A. Sangma, Celestine Lyngdoh and Brightstarwell Marbaniang. The participants were assessed based on the depth of content, clarity of expression, verbal communication, creativity, fluency and time management.
All 69 participants received certificates of participation, while the top three winners earned the opportunity to represent Meghalaya at the national level in New Delhi, where they will present their perspectives on the topic ‘One Nation, One Election: Simplifying Democracy, Amplifying Progress, Ensuring Stability’.
In his concluding remarks, Mawlai legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang applauded the students’ potential, reminding them that Meghalaya’s youths are on par with their peers nationwide.
“For 75 years, our Constitution has endured. With over 100 amendments, it remains a living testament to the people’s will,” he said.
Meanwhile, Umsning legislator hailed the participants as Meghalaya’s future leaders and urged a shift in public perception towards politics. “Every positive change in this country has been driven by politicians,” he noted.
Similarly, Deputy Government Chief Whip commended the confidence displayed by the students and expressed hope that Meghalaya would witness a rise in young aspirants entering civil services.