Shillong, Mar 28: Saurabh Kumar, North Eastern Hill University representing East Khasi Hills won the state round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 held at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture, Mawkasiang on Thursday.
The second prize was bagged by Kalung Angel, Don Bosco College, Byndihati, representing East Jaintia Hills while the third prize was awarded to Dabitkupar Syiemlieh, Sngap Syiem College, Mawkyrwat representing South West Khasi Hills.
The winners received certificates and cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000, and Rs 3,000, respectively. Additionally, all 69 participants were awarded certificates of participation.
The top three participants from each state will advance to the National Level, which will be held in New Delhi, where they will speak on the topic “One Nation, One Election: Simplifying Democracy, Amplifying Progress, Ensuring Stability.”
Speaking at the inaugural session of the event, Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma said the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 has the potential to shape policies that will impact future generations, with its resolutions reflecting the brilliance of youth-driven policies.
The event was hosted by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and the National Service Scheme.
Sangma stated that the final resolution that will be crafted after the culmination of the event will reflect the brilliance of youth driven policies, bringing them to the forefront of media and governance.
He also shared words of encouragement as this initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, urging participants to dare to dream while remaining grounded in humility, to respect diverse perspectives as India’s greatest strength lies in its unity, and to recognize that every voice matters and has the power to inspire transformation. He stressed that these discussions are not merely debates but contributions to shaping policies that could have a lasting impact on the nation.
Dr. Andrew Simons, Commissioner & Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly also spoke at the event, describing the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament as an inspiring platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions on constitutional matters. He highlighted Article 19, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, and Article 21, which safeguards the right to personal liberty. He pointed out that while there may be differing views between the ruling and opposition sides, discussions like these allow participants to express, share, and ultimately build consensus on key national issues.
Deputy Director of the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, F. Rumnong, presented the keynote address at the inaugural session and emphasized the role of collaboration between youth organisations and the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in deepening young people’s understanding of India’s democratic process. He expressed confidence that such initiatives would inspire the next generation to engage actively in democracy and contribute to nation-building.
Sixty-nine students from various districts across the state participated in the Youth Parliament Session, centered around two key themes: “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.”
The deliberations were assessed by a distinguished jury comprising of assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Umsning Legislator Celestine Lyngdoh, and Mawlai Legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang.
Participants were evaluated based on six key criteria: Content Relevance, Clarity and Structure, Verbal Communication & Body Language, Innovation & Creativity, Language & Fluency, and Adherence to Time.
Rajabala Legislator Dr. Mizanur Rahman Kazi; Deputy Government Chief Whip & Mookaiaw Legislator Nujorki Sungoh; Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Malthus S. Sangma and Deputy Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) D. Rapsang also attended the event.
