Kohima, Aug 6, 2025: The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme 2025, featuring a District-level Youth Parliament and Debate Competition, was successfully organized at Kohima College on Wednesday, bringing together young minds from across the district to engage in meaningful discussions on democracy, governance and nation-building.
The programme was jointly organized by the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Kohima College, the District Youth Resources Office, Kohima, and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). Sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the event aimed to promote democratic values, strengthen civic awareness and encourage active participation of youth in shaping the future of the nation.
The event provided a vibrant platform for students to express their views on important social, political and national issues through parliamentary discussions and competitive debates. Participants demonstrated their public speaking abilities, critical thinking skills and awareness of contemporary issues, reflecting the growing interest of young people in governance and public affairs.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, MCS, attended the programme as the special guest and addressed the gathering. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of youth participation in democratic processes and urged students to become responsible and informed citizens. He encouraged young people to contribute positively to society and play an active role in India's development journey.
“The future of the nation rests in the hands of its youth. Programmes like these help nurture leadership qualities, critical thinking and civic responsibility among young citizens,” he said.
One of the key highlights of the programme was the debate competition on the topic “Emergency Period in India.” Participants presented diverse perspectives on the subject, engaging in thoughtful discussions that encouraged deeper understanding of India's democratic history and constitutional framework. The competition provided students with an opportunity to research, analyze and articulate their views on an important chapter of the country's political history.
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The Youth Parliament segment also drew enthusiastic participation, allowing students to simulate parliamentary proceedings and understand the functioning of democratic institutions. Through role-playing and structured discussions, participants gained firsthand experience of legislative processes and policy deliberations.
Organizers noted that the programme was designed to encourage leadership, communication skills and civic engagement among young people. They expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic response from students and educational institutions across the district.
The event witnessed active participation from students representing various colleges and educational institutions, highlighting the growing interest among youth in dialogue, policymaking and public discourse. Teachers and mentors also appreciated the initiative for providing a constructive platform where young people could exchange ideas and develop confidence in expressing their opinions.
Officials said the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme aligns with the broader vision of empowering youth to become active stakeholders in the country's progress. By encouraging informed debate and democratic participation, the initiative seeks to prepare young citizens for leadership roles in society.
The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates and awards to outstanding participants. Organizers expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to inspire young people to engage with national issues, strengthen democratic values and contribute meaningfully to the vision of a developed and prosperous India under the “Viksit Bharat” mission.
