New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival 2025 in New Delhi today, marking the beginning of a two-day event aimed at fostering young leadership in democracy. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, was also present on the occasion.
The event brings together 105 state-level winners, who emerged from a rigorous selection process that began at the District Youth Parliament stage and advanced to the State Youth Parliament sessions held in various legislative assemblies across the country. These young participants now have the opportunity to present their ideas and engage in high-level discussions at the national level.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. He highlighted the enthusiasm of the youth, noting that over 75,000 young individuals had initially submitted one-minute videos expressing their aspirations and policy ideas. From this vast pool of talent, the most promising voices have been selected to deliberate in the halls of Parliament, where India’s policies and leadership decisions take shape.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Mandaviya urged them to adopt a ‘Nation First’ mindset, irrespective of their chosen career paths. He underscored the importance of constructive debate, stating that democracy thrives not on arguments but on winning the hearts of people through meaningful discussions. He praised India’s parliamentary system, which stands as a symbol of unity despite the country’s vast diversity, and expressed hope that many of the young participants would return to Parliament in the future as elected representatives or ministers.
Echoing this sentiment, Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse said that the deliberations at the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 will contribute significantly to shaping India’s future. She emphasized that youth engagement in policymaking is critical to achieving the nation’s development goals and strengthening democracy.
The first day of the event witnessed intense debates during two Question Hour sessions, where participants played the roles of Members of Parliament and Ministers. The first session focused on the concept of One Nation, One Election, with discussions revolving around governance implications, administrative feasibility, and legal challenges. The second session centered on Viksit Bharat, with young MPs debating policies related to youth empowerment, education, skill development, and sustainability. A panel of distinguished Members of Parliament and senior officials assessed the discussions, providing participants with invaluable feedback.
An engaging masterclass on oratory skills was conducted by Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament, who shared insights into effective public speaking, an essential skill for leadership and parliamentary debate. The session aimed to equip the participants with techniques to communicate their ideas confidently and persuasively.
The event is set to continue on its second day with a visit to the new Parliament building, where participants will witness live legislative proceedings and gain firsthand experience of the country’s legislative processes. This will be followed by an in-depth discussion on One Nation, One Election, examining its implications for Centre-State relations and electoral reforms. A special deliberation session, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, will also take place, culminating in a motion for voting in the Youth Parliament.
Later in the day, the National Youth Awards for 2021-22 and 2022-23 will be presented to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to youth leadership and social service. Additionally, the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025 will be conferred on outstanding participants, recognizing their exceptional performance in debates and policymaking exercises.
With the Youth Parliament serving as a platform for future leaders to express their ideas and shape national discourse, the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 is proving to be a milestone event in fostering youth-driven policymaking and democratic participation. As discussions and debates continue, the enthusiasm and commitment of these young minds are set to leave a lasting impact on India’s vision for a developed and progressive future.