Nagaland hosts State Round of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025

The State Round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 was successfully held at the K Shikhu Conference Hall, Assembly Secretariat, Kohima, bringing together young minds from across Nagaland to engage in discussions on constitutional values and national progress.

Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), S Toiho Yeptho, who attended as the special guest, emphasized the importance of the platform in empowering youth to challenge existing norms and propose innovative solutions for nation-building. Calling the participants “torchbearers of change,” Yeptho urged them to use their intellect and passion to contribute to India’s future. “The Viksit Bharat mission is not just a goal, but a call to action,” he said, stressing the role of young people in shaping a developed and prosperous India.

Joh Makhabo, Director of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework envisioned by the Government of India. He informed that 643 youths had registered for the district-level rounds, from which 150 participants were selected from the Nodal Centres in Mokokchung, Kohima, and Dimapur. After multiple rounds of competition, the top 10 from each centre qualified for the state-level contest.

Following rigorous debates on the topics “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,” winners were announced. Chagaliu Pamai from St. Xavier College, Jalukie, secured the first position, while Yutsula K. Tikhir from Don Bosco College, Kohima, and Songmo Khiamniungan from Immanuel College, Dimapur, won second and third places, respectively. The winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000, along with certificates.

Makhabo also revealed that the top three participants would represent Nagaland at the National Youth Parliament, scheduled to take place at Parliament House, New Delhi, from April 1 to 3, 2025. He commended NYKS for its continued efforts in conducting Youth Parliament and declamation programs, which have earned national recognition for Nagaland’s youth.

A distinguished jury panel comprising Deputy Speaker S Toiho Yeptho, Advisor for School Education and SCERT Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, and MLA Y Lima Onen Chang presided over the competition.

As part of the event, participants were given a tour of the Assembly Secretariat, including the Assembly Hall, P Shilu Library, and TN Angami Botanical Garden, offering them insights into the legislative process.

The program was attended by students from various institutions across the state, marking a significant step in encouraging youth participation in governance and policy making. The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament continues to serve as a crucial initiative in fostering leadership and civic engagement among young people.

MT