New Delhi: The National Youth Parliament Festival, 2024 concluded today with an impactful ceremony held in the historic Central Hall of Parliament. The event saw the esteemed presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Birla and Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur.
During the ceremony, Om Birla congratulated and addressed the participants, recognizing their efforts and achievements. He emphasized the historical significance of the Central Hall, which played a pivotal role in the formulation of the Indian constitution post-independence. Shri Birla highlighted the immense expectations Prime Minister Narendra Modi has from the youth, considering their crucial role in achieving the nation’s goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He emphasized the thinking capability, innovation, and enthusiasm of the youth, which he believes will be instrumental in shaping India’s future and setting an example for the world.
Anurag Singh Thakur echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the determined voice of the youth as a reflection of India’s determination as a nation. He underscored the positive impact of technology on India’s journey from a fragile economy to one of the top five globally. Thakur emphasized the transition from weak leadership to strong leadership and the progress India has made in poverty alleviation and economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlighting the theme of the National Youth Parliament Festival – ‘Young Voices: Engage and Empower for Nation’s Transformation’ – the event aimed to provide a platform for the youth to express their ideas and contribute to the nation’s development.
The winners of the National Youth Parliament Festival were announced during the ceremony:
Yatin Bhaskar Duggal from Haryana (First Prize Winner)
Vaishna Pitchai from Tamil Nadu (Second Prize Winner)
Kanishka Sharma from Rajasthan (Third Prize Winner)
Shri Anurag Singh Thakur encouraged the participants to utilize platforms like YouTube to disseminate government policies, preferably in vernacular languages, reaching a wider audience. He urged the youth to focus on team-led leadership, emphasizing that the network created during such events would be valuable throughout their lives.
The National Youth Parliament Festival, held from February 9 to March 6, covered 785 districts across the country. The event unfolded at three levels – District Youth Parliament, State Youth Parliament, and National Youth Parliament, bringing together the most promising voices from different corners of India.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a month-long celebration of youth engagement, empowerment, and expression, showcasing the nation’s commitment to nurturing and harnessing the potential of its young citizens.