The Nagaland University’s Department of Political Science organized Yuvamanthan Youth Parliament under the aegis of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 with the theme “Bridging Theory to Practice, Empowering Youth with Skills” at I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall on October 28.

The Chief Guest for the Inaugural session was Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University. In his speech Prof. Patnaik dwelt on the Indian Parliamentary system and its pivotal role in empowering the youth. He asserted that being swayed by western interpretation of democracy, the essence of India’s socio-political dimension and historical moorings had long been ignored. However, he stated, “The system of Panchayat that we cherish even today where interrogation and discourse are considered to be the essential ingredients of social life is deeply entrenched into the social moorings. Democracy left to itself may become mobocracy but when there is meritocracy that exercises its reason and logic for the betterment of the society, democracy thrives”.

Prof. Patnaik harped on the slogan of “think global, act local” and said that the institution can be fortified by adhering to the essence of Indian civilizational discourse, whether socio-economic or political, through reiterating the indigenous element. Further, he urged everyone to assert their rights and retain the essence of those institutions which ensures their freedom, dignity, integrity, honesty and empowerment.

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Earlier, the welcome and opening remarks was delivered by Prof. Moamenla Amer, HoD Department of Political Science where she stressed on the concern that Universities in India produce lakhs of graduates but most of them are unemployed as they do not have the required skills. So there has been a focus on how the youngsters can participate in democracy. She also stated that the youth of today are going to replace the future generation; so, in response to this Youth Parliament has been organized by Nagaland University to enhance skills of the students and give real life exposure in terms of discussion, debating, and policy making.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Deepak Bhaskar, Asst. Professor, Dept of Political Science and Faculty Coordinator for Yuvamanthan. The inaugural session will be followed by three technical sessions concluding with a valedictory session. The inaugural programme was attended by HoDs, Faculty, Officers, Administrative Staff, and students, informed a press release by the University.