Shillong, March 13: Over 65 students debated priorities of the nation during a district‑level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament conducted at North‑Eastern Hill University on Friday.
Ten winners of the competition have advanced to the state round of the Youth Parliament.
Addressing the occasion, VPP MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang said the government’s Viksit Bharat vision counts on youth power.
“India is a young nation with around 26 percent of its population comprising youth, and when we consider those under the age of 35, the youth population accounts for nearly 65 percent,” said the MLA Mawlai.
Marbaniang said programmes like the Youth Parliament “provide young people with an opportunity to hone their skills and prepare themselves to become the future leaders of the country.”
Prof RL Nongkhlaw, NEHU Dean of Students’ Welfare, opened the session, saying the mock parliament helps young citizens “understand parliamentary traditions, engage in constructive debates on public policy, and develop leadership and communication skills.”
Jointly organised with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event simulated parliamentary procedures and highlighted youth engagement in democratic dialogue.
