New Delhi: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs hosted the Prize Distribution Function of the 16th National Youth Parliament Competition, 2019-20 for Universities/Colleges at GMC Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament House Complex, New Delhi. Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, presided over the event and awarded ‘The Running Shield’ and Trophy to the winning team from the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
The winning institutions were recognized for their outstanding performance in the competition. The list of awardees includes DAV College, Jalandhar; Jadavpur University, Kolkata; University of Mumbai, Mumbai; Chanakya National Law University, Patna; and Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Students from the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, which secured the first position at the national level, presented a repeat performance of their ‘Youth Parliament’ sitting, showcasing their exemplary parliamentary skills.
During the interactive session with the students, Union Minister Shri Meghwal emphasized the importance of learning and adopting democratic values and ethics. He administered a pledge to all attendees for a healthy lifestyle to save the environment.
In his welcome address, Secretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Umang Narula, urged students to popularize and internalize the practices and procedures of parliamentary proceedings.
The Youth Parliament Scheme, organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for the past 27 years, aims to acquaint the younger generation with parliamentary practices, foster leadership qualities, instill the spirit of self-discipline, tolerance of diverse opinions, and encourage healthy competition. The scheme also focuses on developing oratory skills and promoting the virtues of a democratic way of life among the youth.
Dr. Anil Bonde, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Professor Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, and Shri Bratin Sengupta, Ex-Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), were also present during the function, addressing the audience and encouraging the youth to actively participate in parliamentary processes.