Nagaland Power and Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye has urged young people to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become responsible democratic leaders, emphasising the importance of parliamentary democracy, freedom of expression and responsible political participation.
He was speaking at the 18th National Youth Parliament Competition 2026 at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Lumami, on Tuesday.
Reflecting on India’s democratic journey since Independence, Kenye said the country had overcome numerous challenges while accommodating its multicultural, multi-religious and diverse society within a democratic system of governance.
He acknowledged the contributions of the framers of the Constitution, particularly Dr BR Ambedkar and his team, in establishing the constitutional framework that continues to guide the country.
Kenye also highlighted Nagaland’s distinctive constitutional position under Article 371A, which safeguards aspects of Naga life, including religious and social practices, customary laws and procedures, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources. He said these safeguards reflected the understanding of India’s early leaders of Nagaland’s unique historical and social circumstances.
Addressing the young parliamentarians, he urged them to value democratic participation and freedom of expression, noting that people in many parts of the world were unable to express their views freely. He said citizens of the world’s largest democracy should recognise their democratic rights and exercise them responsibly.
Emphasising the importance of public speaking, Kenye described speech as a powerful instrument of democratic governance and cautioned against the misuse of freedom of expression. He encouraged participants to focus on clarity, preparation, articulation and conviction, noting that a speaker’s belief in what they communicate makes a significant difference to the audience.
Prof. (Dr) Anupam Kurlwal, Professor and Head of the Department of Law at Maharshi Dayanand University’s Centre for Professional and Allied Studies, Gurugram, also addressed the programme as a nominee of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.